Crimes are classified as felonies misdemeanors or infractions

Crimes are classified as felonies, misdemeanors, or infractions. An infraction is less serious than a misdemeanor and is usually punishable by a small fine. Examples of infractions would include parking tickets and jaywalking. A misdemeanor is a less serious crime than a felony and is usually punishable by a fine of not more than $2, 500 or by imprisonment of not more than one year. Examples of misdemeanors include trespassing and reckless driving. A felony is a more serious crime than a misdemeanor. It is punishable by imprisonment of more than one year. In 38 states, the most serious felonies are punishable by death. Examples of felonies include murder, arson, aggravated assault, and driving under the influence. ___ Jay is stopped by police in Delaware for driving 65 miles per hour in a 30 mile per hour zone. Under Delaware law, reckless driving is defined to include exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 miles per hour. Has Jay committed an infraction, a misdemeanor, or a felony? What punishment might he receive? Write 2 -3 sentences for your answer.

ILLINOIS SPEEDING LAWS <25 mph over speed limit: Infraction • $120 -$140 fine 26 -34 mph over speed limit: Class B Misdemeanor • Punishable by up to 6 months in jail & a max $1, 500 fine >34 mph over speed limit: Class A Misdemeanor • Punishable by up to 1 year in jail & a max $2, 500 fine No such thing as “felony speeding” in any state… until you add other circumstances • Reckless endangerment, reckless driving, driving under the influence, etc.

Criminal Law NATURE OF CRIMES

THE NATURE OF CRIMES A crime is something one does or fails to do that is in violation of a law Criminal Law makes certain conduct “criminal” and other conduct “noncriminal”

Type of Crime Number Reported Percentage Arrested Larceny/Theft 5, 004, 453 20. 6 Burglary 928, 465 13. 1 Motor Vehicle Theft 699, 594 9. 2 TOTAL PROPERTY CRIME 6, 632, 512 18. 1 Aggravated Assault 724, 149 49. 6 Robbery 345, 031 27. 4 Forcible Rape 79, 770 21. 3 Murder and Non-negligent Manslaughter 14, 196 72. 1 TOTAL VIOLENT CRIME 1, 163, 146 41. 3 CRIME INDEX TOTAL 7, 795, 658 20. 8 Source: FBI 2013

St. Louis Baltimore Detroit

Chicago homicides in 2015: 478 Chicago homicides in 2016: 758

WHEN HOMICIDES HAPPEN IN CHICAGO

CAUSES OF DEATH IN CHICAGO

WHERE HOMICIDES HAPPEN IN CHICAGO

CHICAGO HOMICIDE VICTIMS

TRENDS Since mid-1980 s, general decrease in reported property and violent crimes • Very large increase in drug arrests, however ~80% of drug prosecutions for possession • ~20% for sale and manufacture More arrests for drug law violations than any other crime

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF CRIMES?

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF CRIMES • Poverty • Permissive Courts • Rising population • Unemployment • Lack of parental guidance • Lack of education • Breakdown in morals • Abuse of alcohol and drugs • Ineffective prison system • Inadequate police protection • Influence of internet