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 New York State, criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors, reflecting the seriousness of the crimes. Felonies are the more severe category of offenses and can result in imprisonment for more than one year, up to life imprisonment, or even the death penalty in some jurisdictions (though New York State does not currently have the death penalty). Misdemeanors in New York are less serious offenses and are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year or by fines and other penalties. The New York State Legislature has established the definitions and penalties for state offenses through the New York Penal Law. For federal offenses, the United States Congress determines the classification and penalties, with felonies typically involving more severe punishments than misdemeanors. It's important to note that some crimes may be considered a misdemeanor under state law but a felony under federal law, or vice versa, depending on the specifics of the statutes and the nature of the offense.