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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 Kentucky, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity. Felonies are the more serious offenses, potentially leading to prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious, with sentences of one year or less. The Kentucky Revised Statutes outline the specific offenses that fall into each category and the associated penalties. The classification of crimes and the determination of sentences at the federal level are established by the United States Congress, which defines federal felonies and misdemeanors. Similarly, the state legislature in Kentucky has the authority to define state-level felonies and misdemeanors and to set the penalties for each.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Kentucky State Code

Kentucky State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles