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 Oklahoma, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity. Felonies are considered more serious crimes and typically carry potential prison sentences of more than one year. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses with maximum sentences of one year or less, often served in a county jail instead of a state prison. The distinction between felonies and misdemeanors is determined by the Oklahoma state legislature, which enacts statutes to define the classification of each offense under state law. Similarly, at the federal level, the United States Congress is responsible for setting penalties for federal criminal offenses and classifying them as either felonies or misdemeanaries. The classification affects not only the potential sentence but also other legal consequences that may follow a conviction, such as loss of civil rights or future employment opportunities.