Over the years, many public officials have pledged to fight crime. President Trump even cited enhancing law and order in his inaugural address in January 2017. This may make some New Jersey residents curious about the facts related to crime in the United States.

According to surveys and reports by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the FBI, the violent crime rate has been in substantial decline over the past several decades. Violent crimes include assault, robbery, and rape. Between 1993 and 2018, the rate of violent crimes fell by 51%. However, there were certain times when the rate increased, like between the years 2004 and 2006.

Crimes related to property have also decreased. Between the years 1993 and 2018, these crimes fell by 54%. Property crime, which is usually more common than violent crimes, includes theft, burglary, and vehicle theft. Of course, there are a large number of crimes that are not reported to the police.

According to some opinion surveys, it seems that what Americans believe regarding crime rates do not always align with the data. Americans often believe that the crime rate is higher than what it typically is. For example, in the year 2016, one survey showed that almost 60% of voters felt that crime rates were worse since the year 2008, even though property crimes and violent crimes had declined significantly.

When an individual is accused of a crime, they may feel unsure about what steps to take in response. It’s important to understand that criminal defense attorneys are not only for guilty individuals. A lawyer could provide a client with information that could help them prove their innocence or get the best possible outcome from their case.