Example: The Ted Bundy murder case is easily the most commonly known celebrated case, due to the magnitude of the crime. This is represented within this category as it involved more than one conviction (each with their own court case) and a lengthening appeal process that was in the end unsuccessful for Bundy. The connection to 30 murders also reveals the terror involved within this violence, as this deals with a serial killer rather than

Charles Manson Trials: This case also easily represents level one, as it involved brutal murder from a cult leader. It also is involved in the way that it involves more than one individual overall due to the aspect of the cult.

Jeffery Dahmer: Although Dahmer ultimately communicated effectively with law enforcement of his behavior and methods, the highly grotesque crimes that were committed allow for this case to apply to this level.  

homicide.

• Adjudication: These cases are at the primary level of jurisdiction and the highest criminal courts of the system. One is unable to be bailed, and the opportunity of a plea agreement is little to none. Individuals have the right to appeal the case through the appellate court. 

• Example: St. Paul man has committed sexual assault to a women on new years. This is an example of this case type due to its seriousness as a crime due to lack of consent. Although overall inappropriate, it is not at the level of a level one case. It is viewed this way as it is not as violent as those deemed as celebrated. 

Arson: This crime is determined as level II due to the elevation of the danger and purpose behind the action. In comparison to reckless endangerment and/or historic property damage, this is clearly more vicious. 

First-degree Burglary: This crime is seen as a serious felony due to factors such as: illegal entry, harm to residents, and brutal/forceful endeavors. These individuals are usually sentenced to prison and heavy fines. 

• Types: Lower level offenses such as first time offenders and individuals related to/in aid of the offender fall within this category. More specifically, some offenses include: theft, property damage, possession of controlled substances, criminal use of firearms, etc. 

• Adjudication: Rather than having a full fledged trial, these offenses are usually resolved through plea bargaining. If a trial is held, the length of these are less, due to less complexity. 

• Example: 132 individuals committed insurance fraud in 2025. Insurance fraud is a common felony committed within this level. The extent to which this crime applies is significant, as it typically involves short term jail time and fines. Typically, the individual must pay back money that was obtained. This is representative, as it does not involve high level system practice. 

Drugs: When small amounts of illegal substances are found by law enforcement, plea bargaining commonly occurs. This allows the defendant to have an increased chance of having less of a punishment. 

Firearms: Misuse or illegal possession of weapons, usually guns, fall within this category. Although weapons can be dangerous, without violence the level of concern of this felony is deemed as ‘less serious’.

• Types: Misdemeanors are crimes that are considered less serious than felonies. Examples of misdemeanors are simple assault, petty theft, DUI, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and drug possession.

• Adjudication: The adjudication process begins with an arraignment. During this arraignment, the defendant either pleads guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads not guilty, then there will be plea negotiations. The case can either end in a plea deal or go to trial.

• Example of a case: On June 1st 2025, 7 people were arrested for DUI in Bellevue. 17 people were made to take a sobriety test. Out of the 17 people tested, 7 were arrested for DUI. One person ended up being charged with a drug-related crime. There were also ten individuals that were driving with a suspended license.

• Reason for Example: This example shows how different charges can be given out at this lower level. It shows the way that police approached the issue at hand.

• Photo 1 DUI: Last year, over 880,000 people were arrested for DUI. The typical punishment for this offense would be probation, fines, alcohol management class, and license suspension.

• Photo 2 Petty Theft: Last year, there were 61,678 theft cases. The theft rate last year increased by 33.5% when compared to the rate of reported cases in 2023.