Crimes are sometimes broadly classified or categorized by their nature—such as (1) crimes that are harmful to the victim’s body (assault, battery, rape, and murder) and are known as crimes against the person; and (2) crimes that are harmful to the victim by depriving him of his property or damaging his property and are known as crimes against property (criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, arson).

In Delaware, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification system used across various jurisdictions. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or a threat of harm to individuals. These are considered very serious and are often felonies, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment, fines, and probation. For example, Delaware Code Title 11 outlines specific statutes for assault and related offenses, with varying degrees of severity based on the circumstances of the crime. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of any aggravating factors. The Delaware Code provides detailed provisions for these offenses as well, specifying the elements of each crime and the associated penalties. An attorney can provide more detailed information on how these laws may apply to specific cases.