Sunday, July 7, 2024

Law in Failure: The Crime Rate is a Marked Underestimate

 Crime has updated. It has moved to the internet. The lawyer profession has not. Official reports of crimes are garbage, lying government propaganda. We should get rid of the lawyer profession managment of crime. If crime decreases they lose jobs. They only protect the criminal, and never the victim. They arrest and crush the victims fighting back, as a threat to employment. All jurisidictions with low crime rates have only one feature in common. Some are rich or poor, some religious or secular, some crowded or sparse. All have public self help. The criminal is far more afraid of the public than of the police in low crime areas. It is time to unleash the only effective crime suppression, public self help. The public should be able to punish the criminal on the spot and have immunity from criminal or civil liability. The criminal should lose all substantive legal rights. 

The 8 common law crimes traditionally referred to in the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) program are:

  1. Murder and nonnegligent manslaughter

  2. Rape

  3. Robbery

  4. Aggravated assault

  5. Burglary

  6. Larceny-theft

  7. Motor vehicle theft

  8. Arson

Summary of Unreported Crime Rates

CrimeEstimated Unreported Rate
Murder<1%
Rape60%–90%
Robbery10%–25%
Assault (Battery)25%–50%
Burglary10%–15%
Theft (Larceny)25%–40%
Arson5%–10%
Vandalism50%–70%

🧭 What Happens to the Missing?

The reasons behind disappearances vary widely:

  • Voluntary Disappearances: Some individuals choose to leave due to personal reasons, such as escaping abusive situations. For instance, Audrey Backeberg vanished in 1962 and was found alive in 2025, having lived under a new identity after fleeing an abusive marriage .People.com

  • Involuntary Disappearances: Others may be victims of foul play, trafficking, or accidents. Indigenous communities, in particular, face a crisis with thousands of unsolved cases, often due to jurisdictional issues and systemic neglect .AP News+1AP News+1

  • Unidentified Remains: Each year, thousands of unidentified bodies are recovered, many of which may be linked to missing persons cases. Efforts to identify these remains are ongoing, with organizations like NamUs assisting in matching unidentified bodies to missing persons .RedditNamUs+6NamUs+6WIRED+6


🛠️ Challenges in Resolution

Several factors complicate the resolution of missing persons cases:

  • Resource Limitations: Many law enforcement agencies are understaffed, leading to delays in investigations. For example, Harris County, Texas, has over 10,700 missing persons cases but fewer than 20 investigators .Houston Chronicle

  • Underreporting: Certain demographics, such as Indigenous populations and people of color, often face underreporting and lack of media attention, exacerbating the issue .AP News

  • Technological Gaps: While databases like NamUs exist, not all states mandate entries, and resources are limited, hindering comprehensive tracking and identification .NamUs+6WIRED+6NamUs+6


🧩 The Path Forward

Total Unreported Crime Rate

The unreported crime rate can vary by jurisdiction, societal attitudes, and law enforcement practices, but in general, the percentage of unreported common law crimes across the board can be high, especially for crimes like rape and vandalism.

Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes

  1. Cyberstalking
    Approximately 850,000 individuals are affected by cyberstalking annually in the U.S., with victims often being women under 35.

  2. Identity Theft
    In 2022, the Federal Trade Commission received 1.1 million reports of identity theft, making it one of the most common forms of fraud.

  3. Phishing and Online Fraud
    The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported over 300,000 phishing incidents in 2022, leading to significant financial losses.

  4. Ransomware Attacks
    Since 2021, the U.S. has identified over 4,900 ransomware attacks, resulting in more than $3.1 billion in ransom payments.

  5. Hacking and Unauthorized Access
    While specific numbers vary, unauthorized access and hacking incidents remain prevalent, with thousands of cases reported annually to federal agencies.

  6. Cryptocurrency-Related Crimes
    Losses from cryptocurrency-related frauds and scams surged by 45% in 2023 compared to 2022, reaching over $5.6 billion.

  7. Revenge Porn / Non-Consensual Pornography
    Exact figures are challenging to determine due to underreporting, but advocacy groups estimate thousands of cases occur each year, prompting several states to enact specific legislation.


White-Collar and Financial Crimes

  1. Money Laundering
    The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) receives over 2 million Suspicious Activity Reports annually, many related to potential money laundering activities.

  2. Insider Trading
    The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigates and files dozens of insider trading cases each year, with 33 actions in 2022.

  3. Tax Evasion
    The IRS estimates a tax gap of over $400 billion annually, with a significant portion attributed to underreported income and tax evasion.

  4. Ponzi Schemes / Investment Fraud
    In 2022, investment scams, including Ponzi schemes, led to losses of $3.3 billion, surpassing business email compromise scams as the leading cause of digital crime losses.

  5. Embezzlement
    While comprehensive national statistics are limited, embezzlement remains a common white-collar crime, with numerous cases prosecuted at federal and state levels annually.

  6. Forgery and Counterfeiting
    The U.S. Secret Service investigates hundreds of counterfeiting cases each year, with millions of dollars in counterfeit currency seized.


Digital & Social Media-Related Crimes

  1. Online Harassment / Cyberbullying
    Surveys indicate that approximately 40% of U.S. adults have experienced online harassment, with higher rates among younger demographics.

  2. Deepfake Distribution with Malicious Intent
    The proliferation of deepfake technology has led to a rise in related scams, with over 10% of surveyed business executives reporting attempted or successful deepfake fraud.

  3. Social Media Fraud (e.g., Impersonation Scams)
    The FTC received over 95,000 reports of social media scams in 2021, with reported losses exceeding $770 million.


Organized and Transnational Crimes

  1. Human Trafficking
    In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 10,583 reports involving 16,658 victims, though actual numbers are believed to be higher due to underreporting.

  2. Drug Trafficking via Darknet Markets
    Law enforcement agencies have observed increased activity on darknet markets, with operations leading to significant drug seizures and arrests annually.

  3. Terrorism (Domestic and International)
    The FBI and Department of Homeland Security investigate hundreds of terrorism-related cases each year, encompassing both domestic and international threats.

  4. Smuggling (Weapons, Wildlife, Cultural Artifacts)
    Customs and Border Protection reports thousands of smuggling incidents annually, including seizures of illegal weapons, endangered wildlife, and cultural artifacts.


Emerging/Hybrid Offenses

  1. Swatting (Calling in Fake Emergencies)
    Swatting incidents have been on the rise, with the FBI reporting hundreds of cases annually, posing significant risks to public safety.

  2. Synthetic Drug Production/Distribution (e.g., Fentanyl)
    The DEA seized over 15,000 pounds of fentanyl in 2021, highlighting the ongoing crisis related to synthetic opioids.

  3. Environmental Crimes (e.g., Illegal Dumping, Pollution)
    The Environmental Protection Agency conducts numerous criminal investigations each year, with hundreds of cases leading to prosecutions for environmental violations.

  4. Drone-Related Offenses (e.g., Illegal Surveillance)
    The FAA investigates thousands of drone-related incidents annually, including unauthorized flights and safety violations.

  5. Biometric Data Theft
    As biometric technologies become more widespread, concerns over data breaches involving fingerprints, facial recognition, and other biometric data have grown, though specific incident numbers are not readily available.


The estimated total number of modern crimes occurring annually in the U.S. is approximately 6,060,691.

Based on recent data, the estimated annual financial losses from modern crimes in the United States exceed $158 billion. Here's a breakdown of these losses by category:Financial Times+1Time+1


💻 Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes

  • Total Cybercrime Losses: In 2023, Americans reported losses exceeding $12.5 billion due to various forms of fraud, including cybercrime. Axios+1MarketWatch+1

  • Investment and Impostor Scams: These scams accounted for the largest financial losses, with consumers losing $5.7 billion and nearly $3 billion to each, respectively. Axios

  • Scams Against Seniors: Older Americans reported losses of $3.4 billion in 2023, an 11% increase from the previous year. MarketWatch

  • Impersonation Scams: Americans lost approximately $1.3 billion to impersonation scams in 2023, a record-breaking amount driven by fraudsters posing as government officials or tech support agents. Axios


🏦 White-Collar and Financial Crimes

  • Total Fraud Losses: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that in 2023, as much as $158 billion was lost to all types of scams, up from $137 billion in 2022. Financial Times

  • White-Collar Criminal Pardons: Recent reports indicate that certain presidential pardons have erased over $1 billion in restitution owed by wealthy white-collar criminals. The Guardian


📊 Summary

Crime CategoryEstimated Annual Losses
Cybercrime (including fraud)$12.5 billion
Investment and Impostor Scams$8.7 billion
Scams Against Seniors$3.4 billion
Impersonation Scams$1.3 billion
White-Collar Criminal Pardons$1.0 billion
Total Estimated Losses$158 billion

These figures highlight the significant financial impact of modern crimes on individuals and the economy. If you're interested in more detailed information on specific crime categories or prevention strategies, feel free to ask.

 Government Benefits Fraud

  • Estimated Annual Losses: Between $233 billion and $521 billion, encompassing both fraud and improper payments across federal programs. GAO+8GAO+8Downsizing the Federal Government+8

  • Notable Programs Affected:

    • Unemployment Insurance: Fraudulent payments during the COVID-19 pandemic are estimated between $100 billion and $135 billion.

    • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Approximately $12 billion in improper or fraudulent payments annually.

    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Around $4.6 billion in improper and fraudulent benefits each year.

    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Approximately $1.7 billion in improper and fraudulent payments annually.

    • Child Care Programs: About $900 million in improper and fraudulent benefits each year.

    • Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): Over $800 million in improper and fraudulent payments annually.

    • Veterans Affairs: At least $800 million lost annually due to improper and fraudulent payments.

    • Universal Service Fund: Nearly $1.3 billion in improper and fraudulent subsidies each year. Ways and Means+4GAO+4Congressman James Comer+4Downsizing the Federal Government


📊 Summary of Modern Crimes and Associated Losses

Crime CategoryEstimated Annual Losses
Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes$12.5 billion
Investment and Impostor Scams$8.7 billion
Scams Against Seniors$3.4 billion
Impersonation Scams$1.3 billion
White-Collar Criminal Pardons$1.0 billion
Government Benefits Fraud$233–$521 billion
Total Estimated Losses$259–$547 billion

 Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

  • Medicare Fraud: Estimated losses are approximately $60 billion annually, encompassing fraud, errors, and abuse. Senior Medicare Patrol

  • Medicaid Fraud: Estimates suggest that fraudulent payments amount to $50 billion annually, though this figure may also include improper payments. KFF


Summary of Modern Crimes and Associated Losses

Crime CategoryEstimated Annual Losses
Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes$12.5 billion
Investment and Impostor Scams$8.7 billion
Scams Against Seniors$3.4 billion
Impersonation Scams$1.3 billion
White-Collar Criminal Pardons$1.0 billion
Government Benefits Fraud$233–$521 billion
Medicare Fraud$60 billion
Medicaid Fraud$50 billion
Total Estimated Losses$369–$657 billion

 Medicare and Medicaid Fraud

  • Medicare Fraud: Estimated losses are approximately $60 billion annually, encompassing fraud, errors, and abuse. My WordPress

  • Medicaid Fraud: Estimates suggest that fraudulent payments amount to $50 billion annually, though this figure may also include improper payments. My WordPress


Summary of Modern Crimes and Associated Losses

Crime CategoryEstimated Annual Losses
Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes$12.5 billion
Investment and Impostor Scams$8.7 billion
Scams Against Seniors$3.4 billion
Impersonation Scams$1.3 billion
White-Collar Criminal Pardons$1.0 billion
Government Benefits Fraud$233–$521 billion
Medicare Fraud$60 billion
Medicaid Fraud$50 billion
Total Estimated Losses$369–$657 billion

Certainly! Here's an updated overview of modern crimes in the U.S., now including shoplifting, along with estimated annual financial losses:

Shoplifting

  • Estimated Annual Losses: Retailers lost approximately $121.6 billion to retail theft in 2023, with projections indicating losses could exceed $150 billion by 2026. Capital One Shopping

  • Estimated Annual Incidents: Hayes International estimates approximately 378 million shoplifting incidents occur annually in the U.S. Jack L. Hayes International, Inc.


📊 Summary of Modern Crimes and Associated Losses

Crime CategoryEstimated Annual Losses
Cyber and Technology-Driven Crimes$12.5 billion
Investment and Impostor Scams$8.7 billion
Scams Against Seniors$3.4 billion
Impersonation Scams$1.3 billion
White-Collar Criminal Pardons$1.0 billion
Government Benefits Fraud$233–$521 billion
Medicare Fraud$60 billion
Medicaid Fraud$50 billion
Shoplifting$121.6 billion
Total Estimated Losses

Unauthorized access to a computer in the United States is primarily prosecuted under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), codified at 18 U.S. Code § 1030. This statute criminalizes various activities, including accessing a "protected computer" without authorization or exceeding authorized access, especially when done with intent to defraud or cause harm.

📊 Estimated Annual Incidents and Financial Impact

🔍 Unreported Incidents

While exact figures are challenging to determine, studies suggest that a significant portion of cybercrimes go unreported. For instance, a report indicates that 85% of cybercrimes may not be reported to authorities.

Given this estimate, the actual number of cybercrime incidents could be substantially higher than reported figures.

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Illegal Drug Use

The consumption (use or possession) of illegal drugs is a crime under federal law, although enforcement and penalties vary based on the substance, amount, and circumstances.


📜 Federal Law Violated

The primary federal law is the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), found in:

  • 21 U.S. Code § 844Simple possession (personal use) of a controlled substance.

This law makes it a federal crime to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription.


🚔 Is it a felony?

  • First offense: usually a misdemeanor punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a minimum $1,000 fine.

  • Second offense: can be a felony, with up to 2 years imprisonment and a minimum $2,500 fine.

  • Third or more: may carry higher felony penalties, especially with prior drug convictions.

Felony charges are more likely if:

  • The possession involves larger quantities, suggesting intent to distribute.

  • The person is found near schools, playgrounds, etc.

  • There are weapons or other aggravating factors.


📊 How many times are illegal drugs used in the USA per year?

According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (latest available data):

  • About 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (17.3% of the population) reported using an illicit drug in the past year.

  • The total number of uses is not precisely counted, but estimates suggest billions of individual uses annually when accounting for frequent users.

For example:

  • Marijuana: ~41 million past-year users.

  • Cocaine: ~4.8 million.

  • Methamphetamine: ~2.5 million.

  • Heroin: ~1 million.

  • Misused prescription drugs (opioids, stimulants, etc.): ~8.5 million.

Heavy or daily use (especially for marijuana or opioids) drastically increases the total number of "uses" per year.

Illicit Drug Use in the U.S. (2022)

Drug TypePast-Year Users (Millions)Percentage of Population Aged 12+
Marijuana61.922.0%
Hallucinogens8.53.0%
Prescription Pain Reliever Misuse8.53.0%
Cocaine5.31.9%
Prescription Tranquilizer/Sedative Misuse4.31.5%
Prescription Stimulant Misuse2.70.9%
Methamphetamine2.71.0%
Inhalants2.30.8%
Heroin1.00.4%

Note: Individuals may have used more than one type of illicit drug; thus, totals are not mutually exclusive.Get Smart About Drugs


🔄 Frequency of Use

While the NSDUH provides data on the number of individuals who used illicit drugs in the past year, it does not specify the exact number of times each drug was used. However, considering the number of users and varying usage patterns (from occasional to daily use), it's reasonable to estimate that illicit drugs are used billions of times annually across the United States.

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Violations of the rules of the road typically result in traffic citations or misdemeanors, but certain serious offenses are classified as felonies in the U.S. These generally involve endangering life, causing severe injury or death, or repeated dangerous conduct.


⚖️ Felony Traffic Violations in the U.S.

Here are the main types:

Felony OffenseExplanation
Vehicular homicide/manslaughterCausing death while driving recklessly, DUI, or criminal negligence
Felony DUI / DWIDUI with prior offenses, serious injury/death, or driving with a suspended license
Hit and run (resulting in injury/death)Leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death
Reckless driving (severe cases)Especially if causing injury or involving excessive speed
Evading police (felony eluding)Fleeing law enforcement in a vehicle, especially at high speeds
Driving with a revoked license (habitual)Particularly if tied to previous DUI or major violations
Assault with a vehicle (road rage)Using a vehicle intentionally to threaten or harm someone

Felony Traffic Violations Each Year

Reliable nationwide data is not always categorized as "felony traffic violations", but we can estimate based on the most common categories:

OffenseAnnual Incidents (Approx.)Source/Notes
DUI arrests (all levels)~1 millionFBI Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR)
DUI resulting in injury/death~15,000–20,000 (fatal crashes)NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System
Hit and run (injury/death)~2,000 fatalities annuallyAAA Foundation
Felony reckless driving~Tens of thousands (not well-tracked)Varies by state; many charged as misdemeanors
Police pursuits (felony eluding)~55,000 annuallyBureau of Justice Statistics
Vehicular homicide~7,000–10,000 annuallyBased on NHTSA crash death data

⚠️ These are estimates. States define and report felonies differently. Not all DUI or hit-and-run cases rise to the felony level unless aggravating factors exist.

 

Street Racing a Felony?

Street racing laws vary by state, but common felony triggers include:

  • Causing injury or death: If a race results in serious injury or a fatality, drivers can face felony charges such as vehicular manslaughter.

  • Repeat offenses: Multiple convictions for street racing or related offenses can elevate charges to felony status.

  • Aggravating factors: Involvement of weapons, fleeing law enforcement, or causing significant property damage can lead to felony charges.

  • Organizing or promoting races: Individuals who coordinate or promote illegal races may face felony charges, especially if the events are large-scale or result in harm.

For instance, in Florida, a law effective July 1, 2024, imposes fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 for first-time street racing offenses. Repeat offenders within five years may face second-degree felony charges, with penalties up to 15 years in prison .The US Sun


📊 Estimated Annual Incidents of Illegal Street Racing

Precise national statistics on illegal street racing are challenging to obtain due to underreporting and varying enforcement practices. However, available data and reports indicate:

  • Fatalities: Street racing contributes to a significant number of traffic fatalities annually. For example, in 2022, speed-related crashes accounted for nearly 12,000 deaths in the U.S., and street racing is a notable contributor to these incidents .

  • Arrests and Crackdowns: Law enforcement agencies across various states have conducted operations resulting in numerous arrests. For instance:

    • In Oklahoma City, a mid-May 2025 crackdown led to the arrest of 114 adults and 40 youths involved in street racing activities .

    • In Texas, during the 2023 Texas 2K drag racing event, over 100 individuals were arrested for participating in illegal street racing and reckless driving .

  • Complaints and Reports: In 2024, the Colorado State Patrol received nearly 2,000 complaints related to illegal street racing, leading to 16 arrests .Injury Research CenterYahoo!ABC13 Houston+1Instagram+1Yahoo!


📍 State-Specific Laws and Penalties

Street racing laws and penalties differ by state. Here are examples from a few states:

  • California: Engaging in a speed contest is a misdemeanor, but if it results in injury or death, it can be charged as a felony with potential imprisonment.

  • Texas: Participating in a street race can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, especially if it involves injury, death, or repeat offenses.

  • Florida: As mentioned, repeat offenses within five years can result in second-degree felony charges, with up to 15 years in prison .

  • New York: Street racing is illegal and can lead to misdemeanor charges, but incidents causing serious injury or death can escalate to felony charges.The US Sun


📸 Recent Enforcement Actions

Here are some recent examples of law enforcement actions against illegal street racing:

  • Palm Beach County, Florida: A crackdown in February 2024 resulted in 7 arrests and 153 citations related to illegal street racing activities.WPEC

  • Zapata, Texas: In April 2023, a man was arrested on a felony warrant for racing on a highway causing death.Laredo Morning Times+1Honolulu Police Department+1

  • Harris County, Texas: During the 2019 TX2K19 event, 4 individuals were arrested for illegal street racing.ABC13 Houston+2ABC13 Houston+2Instagram+2

  • Austin, Texas: In 2023, three suspects connected to "street takeovers" faced state jail felony charges.The US Sun+4KEYE+4Change.org+4

  • St. Petersburg, Florida: In 2023, 69 individuals were arrested in a street racing bust, with about half being juveniles.FOX 13 Tampa Bay+1Yahoo!+1

  • Broward County, Florida: In 2023, a trio was arrested for illegal street racing and intersection takeovers.NBC 6 South Florida

  • Raleigh, North Carolina: A woman was charged with felony death by vehicle after a street racing incident led to a fatality.YouTube

  • Chillicothe, Missouri: An illegal street race led to the arrest of a motorcycle driver.KTTN-FM 92.3 and KGOZ -FM 101.7

  • St. Petersburg, Florida: A father was charged for his son's death during an illegal street racing crash.FOX 13 Tampa Bay+1San Francisco Chronicle+1

  • Tucson, Arizona: Police continue to crack down on illegal street racing across the city.KGUN 9 Tucson News

$491.5–$779.5 billion


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