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 Massachusetts, criminal offenses are indeed categorized as felonies or misdemeanors based on their severity, similar to the federal system. Felonies in Massachusetts are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, up to life in prison without parole, and may also include fines. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and burglary. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and typically carry a sentence of one year or less in a house of correction, along with possible fines. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. The Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) outline the specific categorization and penalties for state crimes, while the United States Congress determines the classification and penalties for federal offenses. It is important to note that some crimes can be prosecuted under both state and federal law, which may affect the severity of the penalties imposed.