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 Michigan, criminal offenses are classified into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanors, based on the severity of the crime. Felonies are considered more serious offenses and typically carry potential prison sentences of more than one year. On the other hand, misdemeanors are less serious offenses with potential sentences of up to one year, often served in a county jail instead of a state prison. The Michigan Legislature determines the classification of state offenses and sets forth the penalties for each. For federal offenses, the classification and penalties are established by the United States Congress. Both state and federal laws define which specific crimes fall under each category and prescribe the corresponding punishments.