Translate
Back to All CJ FAQs

What crimes did prisoners commit?


Most Inmates Are in Prison for Crimes Against Persons (2019)

  • Over three-quarters of inmates are in prison for crimes against persons, including assault (25 percent), murder and manslaughter (21 percent), robbery (16 percent), and sex offenses (13 percent).

  • The remaining inmates are in prison for property crimes (10 percent), drug crimes (4 percent), and "other crimes" (9 percent).

  • The most common property crime is burglary and the most common drug crimes are drug sales and possession of drugs for sale. The "other crimes" category includes weapons possession and driving under the influence.


Last Updated: January 2020