Attempted murder is the reckless or intentional attempt to kill a person involving taking a substantial step towards committing the crime. In other words, the criminal either had the intention of murdering somebody or showed extreme disregard for human life, thereby almost causing a person to be killed.

Criminal convictions in a state court can be appealed through the state appellate court or court of appeals. Federal convictions can be appealed through the federal court of appeals.

Domestic violence is more common than many people believe, and the victims are found in all socioeconomic groups. Most cases of domestic violence involve the abuse of women or children by men, but there are also cases of women abusing men, women abusing women, and men abusing men.

The authorities treat drug offenses with great severity. In most states, the possession of even small quantities of controlled substances can lead to time in jail.

Crimes are generally divided into two categories: felonies and misdemeanors. A felony is a crime for which the penalty is one year or more in prison. In some states, there are crimes, called 'wobblers,' that can be sentenced as felonies or misdemeanors, at the discretion of the judge.

Firearm offenses can be either misdemeanors or felonies. The law distinguishes between firearms offenses in which the gun is an essential element in the crime and offenses whereby the firearm is an addition to the crime.

The treatment of habitual criminals differs among the states. Twenty-two states and the federal authorities have initiated a policy towards habitual criminals, which is often referred to as 'three-strikes' legislation.

Misdemeanors are crimes that are less serious than felonies, and which are generally punishable by a fine, a period of probation, or a jail sentence of less than one year.

Murder is the act of criminal homicide. Of the six grades of homicide, only three are crimes, and only two are classified as criminal homicide, or murder.

Sexual offenses are crimes that may include rape, sexual battery or sexual assault, certain homosexual acts, indecent behavior, and prostitution. The act of rape against a person under the age of sexual consent, in which the rapist is more than four years older than the victim, is generally classified as 'statutory rape.

Storeowners often employ security personnel to protect them from shoplifters, and a store detective has the right to detain you if he or she suspects you of shoplifting.