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 Arkansas, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification found in many 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. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespass, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the taking of property, damage to property, or interference with another person's property rights. These can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of aggravating circumstances. Arkansas state statutes define the elements and penalties for these crimes, and they are prosecuted under state law. Additionally, some property crimes that involve federal jurisdiction, such as bank robbery or crimes crossing state lines, may be prosecuted under federal law.