Technical Reading Law Iv 1201

UNIVERSIDAD COOPERATIVA DE COLOMBIA “Profesionales con Criterios Políticos” Villavicencio – Meta – Colombia

Faculty of Law English IV – technical reading Name: _______________________________

Code: __________ Date _____________

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What is Criminal Law (also known as Penal Law)? Criminal law is the area of law that deals with those who commit crimes. Crimes are generally defined as deviant behavior that violates social norms. What is considered a social norm and what is considered deviant behavior is determined both at the federal level and the state level, as are the punishments for various crimes. Punishments for crimes vary based on the severity of the crime that was committed and where the crime was committed. In the United States, crimes are classified in two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors. Felonies are serious crimes that are generally punishable by a year or more in prison (e.g., armed robbery, murder). Misdemeanors are less serious crimes that are generally punishable by less than a year in prison (e.g., petty theft, vandalism). Consequences for those convicted of a crime can change a person’s life forever— affecting career choices, educational opportunities and personal liberties. For this reason, it is a good idea to have a skilled criminal defense lawyer on your side if you have been accused of committing a crime. A criminal defense attorney can help you understand your rights, but make sure those rights are protected.

Teacher: Ing. William Céspedes.