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 North Carolina, 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 harm or a threat of harm to individuals. These are considered very serious and carry significant penalties. For example, assault can range from a misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of the injury and the presence of any aggravating factors. Rape and murder are felonies with severe penalties, including long prison sentences or even capital punishment for certain types of murder. 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 person's property rights. These crimes can range from misdemeanors to felonies, with penalties varying based on the value of the property involved and the circumstances of the crime. For instance, theft can be classified as petty theft or grand theft depending on the value of the stolen property, and arson is treated very seriously, especially when it endangers life or involves significant property damage.