Legal Definitions - crime score

A crime score is a numerical value assigned to a criminal offense to indicate its relative seriousness. This score is determined by specific factors, primarily the nature and severity of any injury caused to a person, or the extent and cost of damage inflicted upon property.

Legal systems, particularly prosecutors, use crime scores as a tool to promote consistency in how similar cases are handled. They also help identify which cases are more complex or severe, signaling that they may require more extensive investigation and preparation before going to trial.

• Example 1: Property Damage

  Imagine two different acts of vandalism. In the first instance, someone spray-paints a small, easily removable tag on a public park bench. In the second, an individual intentionally sets fire to a commercial building, causing millions of dollars in structural damage and forcing the business to close indefinitely. The act of setting fire to the building would receive a significantly higher crime score than the minor graffiti because the extent of property damage and the resulting financial loss are far greater and more impactful.

• Example 2: Personal Injury

  Consider two assault cases. In one scenario, an argument escalates, resulting in a person pushing another, causing a minor bruise. In another scenario, an assailant uses a weapon to attack someone, leading to severe internal injuries requiring extensive surgery and long-term rehabilitation. The second case, involving grievous bodily harm, would be assigned a much higher crime score due to the severe nature of the personal injury and its lasting consequences for the victim.

• Example 3: Financial Harm (as a form of property damage/loss)

  Think about two different theft offenses. A teenager is caught shoplifting a low-value item, like a candy bar, from a grocery store. In contrast, an organized group commits a sophisticated cybercrime, stealing personal financial data from thousands of individuals, leading to widespread credit card fraud and significant financial losses for the victims. The cybercrime would be assigned a substantially higher crime score because the extent of financial harm and the number of affected individuals are vastly greater than in the simple shoplifting incident.