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 Utah, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification system used across the United States. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or a threat of harm to individuals. These are considered very serious and are often felonies, carrying significant penalties including imprisonment. For example, Utah Code defines assault (76-5-102) and murder (76-5-203) with varying degrees of severity based on the circumstances of the crime. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespass (76-6-206), burglary (76-6-202), robbery (76-6-301), theft (76-6-404), and arson (76-6-102), involve the taking of property, illegal entry into a property, or damage to property. These can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. Utah's criminal statutes provide specific definitions and penalties for each of these offenses, reflecting the state's approach to deterring and punishing such crimes.