Criminal law involves the government prosecution of an individual for an act classified as a crime. Criminal law is defined by local, state and federal governments and varies from state to state. It includes misdemeanors and felonies for more serious crimes such as murder. The state prosecutor initiates the charging of a crime. Individuals convicted of a crime may be incarcerated, fined, or a combination of both and in the worst criminal offense, executed.

Types of crimes include felonies (punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year or by death) or misdemeanors (punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year or jail and fine). These crimes can include murder (homicide, manslaughter), kidnap, assault, embezzlement, theft or sexual abuse.