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 Washington State, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal principles. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that directly harm an individual's physical well-being or safety. These are considered very serious and are aggressively prosecuted, with varying degrees of severity based on the circumstances and the degree of harm inflicted. For example, assault can range from simple assault to assault in the first degree, depending on factors like intent and the use of weapons. Crimes against property, such as criminal trespass, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. These crimes can also vary in severity, with penalties depending on the value of the property involved and the presence of any aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon or the infliction of bodily harm during the commission of the crime. Washington State statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these offenses, and both state and federal laws may apply, particularly in cases involving federal property or crossing state lines.