NCJ Number
190179
Date Published
April 2001
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This booklet reports on crime in California.
Abstract
Crimes are classified by the seriousness of the offenses. Felonies are the most serious offenses (e.g., violent crimes, sex offenses, many types of drug and property violations) for which the offender may be sentenced to State prison. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses (e.g., assault and battery, petty theft, public drunkenness) for which the offender may be sentenced to probation, county jail, a fine, or some combination of the three. Infractions are the least serious offenses and are generally punishable by a fine. Many motor vehicle violations are considered infractions. In an effort to add perspective to the ongoing discussion of crime in California, the report attempts to determine: (1) how much crime there is in California; (2) the short- and long-term trends in crime in California; (3) how crime varies within California and among the States; (4) who are the victims and perpetrators of crime; (5) how California's criminal justice system deals with crime; (6) the costs of crime; and (7) the policy implications for decision makers. Figures, tables