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 Louisiana, crimes are categorized into crimes against the person and crimes against property, similar to other jurisdictions. Crimes against the person include offenses that cause physical harm or are a threat to the physical safety of individuals, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder. These are considered serious offenses and are aggressively prosecuted, often carrying severe penalties including imprisonment, fines, and restitution. On the other hand, crimes against property involve the deprivation or damage to someone's property. This category includes criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson. The penalties for these crimes can vary widely depending on the severity of the offense, the value of the property involved, and the circumstances of the crime. Louisiana's criminal statutes outline the specific elements and penalties for each of these offenses, and both categories are addressed under the Louisiana Criminal Code. It is important for individuals accused of such crimes to seek the advice of an attorney to understand the charges and the potential legal consequences they face.