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 Vermont, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader legal tradition. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical or psychological harm to individuals. Vermont statutes define these offenses with varying degrees of severity, often considering the intent, the degree of harm, and the use of weapons. For example, assault may range from simple assault to aggravated assault, with the latter involving serious bodily injury or the use of a deadly weapon. Similarly, sexual offenses like rape are addressed with a focus on consent and the age of the victim, among other factors. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespass, burglary, robbery, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. Vermont law differentiates between these crimes based on factors like the presence of the victim, the use of force or intimidation, and the value of the property involved. For instance, burglary involves entering a building with the intent to commit a crime therein, while robbery includes the element of force or threat. The state's legal framework aims to protect both the physical safety of individuals and the security of their property, with penalties varying according to the severity and circumstances of the crime.