While there is an enormous list of criminal offenses, some are much more common than others. The possession of or the intent to sell, traffic, or manufacture drugs are among the most common. These cases typically involve cocaine, marijuana, and meth, but there are many other illegal substances people can also be charged for having. For example, an individual may be driving and get pulled over by a police officer for a minor traffic violation, such as failure to use a blinker. When the officer approaches the car, the vehicle might smell of drugs or someone in the car could appear to be under the influence. The officer can then ask the occupants to step out of the vehicle and proceed to search the car as well as the people who were inside. If the officer finds drugs or drug paraphernalia (such as a scale, packaging, or bongs) charges may be brought against the individual or individuals. This is just one of many ways to receive drug charges.
Property Crime
Other common criminal offenses are those related to property, which is also known as property crime. Examples include burglary, theft, and arson. This type of criminal behavior can often lead to the commission of more serious crimes, sometimes even resulting in death.
Driving Under the Influence
Much like drug crime, driving under the influence, or DUI is also a common offense. Many people believe this charge only occurs if the driver of a motor vehicle is under the influence of alcohol, but it also includes being under the influence of drugs. There are field sobriety tests, blood tests, and even breathalyzers that determine if an individual is under the influence of drugs or alcohol while operating a motor vehicle.
Assault
The final of the most common criminal offenses is an assault charge. This occurs when someone intentionally hurts another individual and includes verbal assault. People are usually charged with battery, should things exceed a verbal dispute. There are several layers that are taken into account during assault cases, one of the most important being the parties involved.
While it may be easy to receive these criminal charges, it is not easy to rid yourself of them. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, it is best to speak with a skilled criminal defense attorney, like a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, GA, as soon as possible to begin building your defense.
Thanks to the law office of Andrew R. Lynch for their insight into the most common criminal charges people may face.