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 Alaska (AK), criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, similar to the broader structure used by federal law and other states. Felonies in Alaska are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and they are further divided into classes (Class A, B, and C) with Class A being the most serious. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and are categorized as either Class A or Class B, with Class A misdemeanors being more severe. Class A misdemeanors can result in imprisonment for up to one year, while Class B misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of 90 days. The Alaska State Legislature determines the classification of state offenses and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress establishes the classifications and penalties, determining which crimes are felonies and misdemeanors. It's important to note that some crimes may be prosecuted under either state or federal law, depending on the nature and jurisdiction of the offense.