Criminal offenses under state and federal laws are generally categorized by the seriousness of the crime as felonies (more serious) or misdemeanors (less serious). Felonies are offenses that generally may result in prison sentences of more than one year, and misdemeanors carry sentences of one year or less. The United States Congress sets the penalties for all federal criminal offenses, and thus decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors. And the state legislature in each state decides which criminal offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors under state law.

In Idaho, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, with felonies being the more serious crimes. Felonies in Idaho are typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and can include crimes such as murder, rape, and grand theft. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious offenses and are generally punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine, or both. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. The Idaho state legislature determines the classification of state crimes and the associated penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress establishes the classifications and penalties, which apply nationwide. It is important to note that some crimes can be charged either at the state or federal level, depending on the nature of the crime and the jurisdiction in which it was committed.