Crime Definitions

Murder - The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another. Not included in this definition are deaths caused by negligence, suicides, or accidental deaths. Attempts to commit murder are classified as aggravated assaults.

Rape - Penetration, no matter how slight, of the vagina or anus with any body part or object, or oral penetration by a sex organ of another person, without the consent of the victim. (This includes the offenses of rape, sodomy, and sexual assault with an object as converted from data submitted via the National Incident-Based Reporting System [NIBRS]).

Robbery - The taking or attempting to take anything of value under confrontational circumstances from the control, custody, or care of another person by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear of immediate harm.

Aggravated Assault - An unlawful attack by one person upon another wherein the offender uses a weapon or displays it in a threatening manner, or the victim suffers obvious severe or aggravated bodily injury involving apparent broken bones, loss of teeth, possible internal injury, severe laceration, or loss of consciousness.

Burglary/Breaking and Entering - The unlawful entry into a building or other structure with the intent to commit a felony or a theft.

Larceny-Theft Offenses - The unlawful taking, carrying, leading, or riding away of property from the possession or constructive possession of another person. Examples are thefts of bicycles, motor vehicle parts and accessories, shoplifting, pocket-picking, or the stealing of any property or article that is not taken by force and violence or by fraud. Attempted larcenies are included.

Motor Vehicle Theft - The theft of a motor vehicle. A motor vehicle is a self-propelled vehicle that runs on the surface of land and not on rails. It does not include farm equipment, water craft, airplanes, or construction equipment. The taking of a motor vehicle for temporary use by persons having lawful access is excluded from this definition. Attempted motor vehicle thefts are included.