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 New Hampshire, 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. These are considered very serious and are codified in the New Hampshire Criminal Code under various statutes, with penalties ranging from fines and imprisonment to life sentences or even the death penalty for the most severe offenses like first-degree murder. On the other hand, crimes against property, including criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. These crimes are also addressed in the state's criminal code, with consequences varying based on the severity of the offense, the value of the property involved, and other factors such as the use of a weapon or the presence of physical harm. Both categories of crimes are taken seriously by New Hampshire law enforcement and the judicial system, and individuals charged with such offenses may face significant legal consequences.