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 Maryland, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal tradition. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or a threat of harm to individuals. Maryland law defines these offenses with varying degrees of severity, from simple assault to first-degree murder, each carrying its own set of penalties. For example, assault in the first degree is a felony that can result in up to 25 years of imprisonment. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the taking of property, illegal entry into a property, or damage to property. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying based on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the crime. For instance, theft under $100 is considered a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail, while theft over $100,000 is a felony that can lead to up to 20 years in prison. Maryland statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these crimes, and an attorney can offer detailed guidance on the implications of each offense.