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 Wisconsin, 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 directly harm or threaten harm to an individual's physical safety and well-being. These are covered under Chapters 940 to 948 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which detail offenses against life and bodily security. For example, battery is addressed under Wis. Stat. § 940.19, and sexual assault (rape) under Wis. Stat. § 940.225. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the deprivation of property, damage to property, or interference with property rights. These crimes are primarily found in Chapters 943 to 946 of the Wisconsin Statutes. For instance, theft is covered under Wis. Stat. § 943.20, and burglary under Wis. Stat. § 943.10. Each category of crime carries specific definitions, elements that the prosecution must prove, and a range of penalties upon conviction, which can vary from fines and restitution to imprisonment.