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 Delaware, crimes are categorized into various types, including crimes against the person and crimes against property. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, involve direct harm or threat of harm to an individual's physical safety and well-being. These offenses are taken very seriously and carry severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and potentially even the death penalty for the most serious offenses like first-degree murder. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the taking of property, damage to property, or interference with another person's property rights. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying based on the severity of the crime, the value of the property involved, and other factors such as the use of force or the presence of a weapon. Delaware state statutes and federal law provide specific definitions and penalties for these offenses, and an attorney can offer guidance on the legal implications of each type of crime.