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 Virginia, crimes are indeed categorized by their nature, aligning with the broader classification of crimes against the person and crimes against property. Crimes against the person, such as assault, battery, rape, and murder, are offenses that cause physical harm or pose a direct threat to an individual's safety. These are considered very serious and carry significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences for more severe offenses like murder or rape. On the other hand, crimes against property, such as criminal trespassing, burglary, robbery, bribery, blackmail, theft, and arson, involve the unlawful taking or damaging of another's property. The penalties for these crimes can vary widely depending on the severity of the offense, the value of the property involved, and whether force or coercion was used. Virginia's criminal statutes outline specific definitions and punishments for each of these crimes, and the state takes both categories of crime very seriously, with law enforcement agencies actively pursuing investigations and prosecutions to uphold the law and protect the rights of victims.