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 Minnesota, criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, aligning with the general distinction found in both federal and state law across the United States. Felonies in Minnesota are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and they include offenses such as murder, rape, and certain types of theft or fraud, among others. Misdemeanors, on the other hand, are less serious offenses and typically carry penalties of up to 90 days in jail, a fine, or both. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, and some traffic violations. The Minnesota state legislature determines the classification of state crimes and their respective penalties, while the United States Congress is responsible for setting penalties for federal offenses. It's important to note that Minnesota also has a category called 'gross misdemeanors,' which are more serious than misdemeanors but less serious than felonies, and can result in up to one year in jail.