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 Missouri (MO), criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, similar to the federal system. Felonies are serious crimes that can result in prison sentences of more than one year, and they are further divided into classes (A, B, C, D, and E) with Class A being the most serious, potentially leading to the longest prison sentences. Misdemeanors in Missouri are less serious offenses and are also divided into classes (A, B, C, and infractions) with Class A misdemeanors being the most serious, carrying a maximum jail time of one year. The Missouri state legislature determines the classification of state offenses and the corresponding penalties. Federal offenses and their designations as felonies or misdemeanors are determined by the United States Congress, with felonies typically carrying more severe penalties, including longer prison sentences.