Criminal Law, also called Penal Law, is the system of statutory and common laws that determine the legal punishment for actions deemed to be either dangerous to citizens or damaging to society (crimes). There are three basic types of crimes. The most serious are felonies. A felony, such as murder, armed robbery, or rape, is punishable by more than a year of imprisonment, as well as by fines. Less serious than felonies are misdemeanors. A misdemeanor, such as simple assult or basic theft, is punishable by less than a year of incarceration and fines. Finally, infractions are the least serious of crimes, including offenses such as traffic violations, and are only punished by fines. Regardless of the crime, a criminal defense attorney can ensure that your rights are defended in court. Those who violate criminal law can be subject to a number of penalties, including fines, imprisonment, probation, community service, and execution. Criminal law is carried out with the intention of punishing the criminal as well as providing retribution for the victim of the crime. The age and mental state of the criminal play an important role in determining the degree of guilt, and consequently, the punishment. Guilt in criminal court is determined by either willing admission of wrongdoing or by the ruling of a jury. Criminal law differs from civil law in that it is enforced by the government and not by private parties. All criminals have the right to a criminal defense lawyer and to a speedy trial by jury.