ASSIGNMENT : Classification of Crimes

Scenario:

Three gang members, Joe, Larry, and Bob, are all convicted felons. The three were speeding in excess of the posted speed limit in a stolen car together when they noticed a group of rival gang members two blocks away. Joe, the front seat passenger, told the others he was going to shoot at the group with a gun he concealed in his waistband; Larry the driver, drove the car closer to their rivals. When the car came to a stop sign, Bob, who was a back seat passenger, exited the car after he told his friends he could not go to jail as he was on parole. Larry then drove past their rivals as Joe fired several shots; one person was killed and one other was shot in the leg.

Assignment:

What crimes, if any, should Joe, Larry and Bob be charged with as a result of their conduct? Be sure to include a discussion of actus reus and mens rea for each person in your analysis.

In the order of seriousness, how would you classify the crimes of each of the individuals in the above scenario? Using your state’s criminal code, describe if each offense would be categorized as a crime against person, property, or public order and the possible range of punishment for each offense.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

Classification of Crimes
In terms of crimes, there are misdemeanors, felonies, and treason. Individuals not conversant with the law and its ensuing phases will definitely find criminal trials intricate. In this case, it is essential to make the best decision regarding the conviction of suspects in any case. Joe, Larry, and Bob are gang members who possess different levels of conviction emanating from the crimes that they perpetrated. In this scenario, it will be appropriate to select a criminal code (Illinois, Chicago) to apply in the analysis, considering that the United States’ law provides for distinct laws that decipher the charges brought against suspects.
First, at the start of the scenario, Larry was there in the front (the driver) in a stolen car and automatically became an accomplice to class I theft, including crimes against property (The Illinois General Assembly, 2016). Even devoid of the events, all the gang members were convicted felons, which mean that speeding in a stolen car only made their situation worse. The charge for this action would be the voluntary action of an illegal duty. Pursuant to the Actu…