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 Indiana, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broad classifications mentioned. Crimes against the person, such as assault (IC 35-42-2), battery (IC 35-42-2), rape (IC 35-42-4-1), and murder (IC 35-42-1-1), involve direct harm to individuals and are considered particularly serious, often carrying severe penalties. Assault and battery can range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the circumstances and the extent of injury. Rape and murder are felonies, with murder being among the most serious offenses, potentially punishable by life imprisonment or the death penalty. Crimes against property, such as criminal trespass (IC 35-43-2), burglary (IC 35-43-2-1), robbery (IC 35-42-5), bribery (IC 35-44.1-1-1), blackmail (often prosecuted under extortion laws, IC 35-45-2-1), theft (IC 35-43-4-2), and arson (IC 35-43-1-1), involve depriving someone of their property or damaging it. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying based on the value of the property involved and the presence of aggravating factors, such as the use of a weapon or bodily injury to a victim. Indiana law provides specific statutes for each of these crimes, outlining the elements of the offense and the associated penalties.