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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 Oregon, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, with felonies being the more serious crimes. Felonies in Oregon can lead to prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors typically result in sentences of up to one year. The Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) outline specific crimes and their classifications. The state legislature has the authority to define and categorize state-level offenses. For federal offenses, the United States Congress determines the classification and penalties, including the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors. Federal felonies usually carry more severe penalties and may result in imprisonment in a federal facility, whereas misdemeanors under federal law are punishable by shorter sentences, often served in local or county jails.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Oregon State Code

Oregon State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles