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 West Virginia (WV), crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification found in many jurisdictions. 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, WV Code §61-2 covers various offenses against the person, outlining the specific elements and penalties for crimes like murder (§61-2-1) and sexual assault (§61-8B). On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the taking of property, damage to property, or interference with another's property rights. These can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on factors like the value of the property involved and the presence of any aggravating circumstances. The West Virginia Code, particularly §61-3, details offenses against property, including burglary (§61-3-11) and grand larceny (§61-3-13), with corresponding punishments. Both categories of crimes are taken seriously by the legal system in WV, and individuals charged with such offenses may face severe legal consequences.