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 Minnesota, criminal offenses are classified into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors, based on the seriousness of the crime. Felonies are the more severe offenses and can result in imprisonment for more than one year, as well as heavier fines and longer probation periods. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and robbery. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious crimes and typically carry penalties of up to one year in jail or lesser fines. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. The Minnesota state legislature determines the classification of state crimes and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the classification and penalties are established by the United States Congress. It is important to note that Minnesota also has a category called 'gross misdemeanors,' which are more serious than misdemeanors but less so than felonies, and can result in up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $3,000.