Criminal law regulates social conduct and prescribes whatever is threatening, harmful, or otherwise endangering to the property, health, safety, and moral welfare of people.
It sets the acceptable limits of conduct in society.  It also involves prosecution by the government of a person for an act that is classified as a crime.  A crime is an act in violation of a public law made punishable by sanctions such as fines and imprisonment.
People convicted of a crime, whether it be a felony (more serious) or a misdemeanor (less serious), can face prison, a fine, or both.
The following is a list of the more common crimes, some are obviously more serious than others.
• Arson • Assault and Battery • Bribery • Burglary • Child Abuse • Child Pornography • Computer Crime • Conspiracy • Credit Card Fraud • Disorderly Conduct • Domestic Violence • Drug Possession • Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing • Drug Distribution and Trafficking • DUI / DWI • Embezzlement • Extortion • Money Laundering • Forgery • Indecent Exposure • Insurance Fraud • Perjury • Prostitution • Kidnapping • Manslaughter: Involuntary & Voluntary • Murder: First-degree • Murder: Second-degree • Pyramid Schemes • Racketeering • Rape • Robbery • Securities Fraud • Sexual Assault • Stalking • Identity Theft • Tax Evasion • Telemarketing Fraud • Theft / Larceny • Wire Fraud.
Criminal law is very serious and, in turn, skilled criminal lawyers are essential to a fair and proper trial.  If you or a family member has been arrested or charged with a crime, you should consult an experienced NY Criminal lawyer immediately.