UNIVERSIDAD COOPERATIVA DE COLOMBIA

“Profesionales con Criterios Políticos”

Villavicencio – Meta – Colombia

Faculty of Law
English IV – technical reading

Name: _______________________________ Code: __________ Date _____________ 1-

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.