criminais

Criminais is a Portuguese-language term commonly encountered as the plural adjective meaning “criminal,” and it also appears in legal phrases to refer to matters related to crime. In everyday speech, the standard word for people who commit crimes is criminosos (criminals); criminais tends to function in phrases such as casos criminais (criminal cases) or processos criminais (criminal proceedings). Usage varies by country and register, with legal and formal texts more likely to use criminais.

Criminal categories are typically organized by offense type. Property crimes include theft and burglary; violent crimes cover assault and homicide; drug offenses involve illegal substances; white-collar crimes encompass fraud and embezzlement; organized crime refers to coordinated, ongoing criminal activity. Criminology studies the patterns and causes of criminal behavior, examining factors such as socioeconomic status, education, family background, and peer influence.

In the legal system, criminals, as suspects, defendants, or defendants-turned-offenders, are subject to police investigation, indictment, trial, and sentencing. Penalties vary by jurisdiction and severity, ranging from fines or probation to imprisonment. Rehabilitation and reintegration programs aim to reduce recidivism and support social reintegration.

The term criminais appears in Portuguese-speaking contexts including Brazil, Portugal, and Lusophone Africa, where it is used alongside standard criminal-justice terminology. Criminology research and crime statistics informed by such terminology help shape policy, public safety measures, and social interventions.