Murder: "The willful (nonnegligent) killing of one human being by another."

Rape: "The carnal knowledge of a female forcibly and against her will."

Sexual Assault: Not included in UCR. We include all assaults of a sexual nature as this, to include rape. North Carolina General Statute defines rape as vaginal intercourse forcibly and against the female victim's will. As you can see, this is rather narrow in scope. All other acts of sexual assault are classified as a "sexual offense." They carry the same penalty as a rape.

Aggravated Assault: An unlawful attack by one person upon another for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury. This type of assault usually is accompanied by the use of a weapon or by means likely to produce death or great bodily harm.

Robbery: The taking or attempting to take anything of value from the care, custody, or control of a person or persons by force or threat of force or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. If a weapon is used in the commission of this crime, the offense would be classified as an "armed robbery." If no weapon is used to commit the crime, the offense would be classified as a "strong-arm or common law robbery." The two terms are synonymous.

Breaking or Entering (Residential): The unlawful entry of a dwelling to commit a felony or a theft. This offense does not require a forced entry. A person need only to break OR enter.

Breaking or Entering (Vehicle): The unlawful entry of a vehicle to commit a felony or a theft. This is an offense covered under North Carolina state statute, but is not a separate Part I offense under UCR. Under UCR, vehicle break-ins are classified as larcenies. Under North Carolina law they are prosecuted as felony offenses.

Vehicle Theft: The stealing, taking, or carrying/driving away of a motor vehicle with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property. This is commonly confused with "Unauthorized Use of a Motor Conveyance" which is a North Carolina misdemeanor offense. This offense covers acts such as acquaintances taking your vehicle for a joy ride or a vehicle you loan to someone who returns it later than you expect.

Kidnapping: Not a UCR Part I offense (it is a Part II offense). It is basically the moving or holding(Unlawful Imprisonment...carries the same basic penalty) of a person against his/her will without legal authority to do so.

Larceny: The stealing, taking, or carrying away of anything of value with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property.

Domestic Violence: Domestic violence occurs when the incident involves a victim/complainant and a suspect who are intimate partners (as defined below), and the suspect...