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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 South Carolina, as in other states, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime. Felonies are considered more serious and can lead to imprisonment for more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious with potential jail time of one year or less. The classification of crimes and the corresponding penalties at the federal level are determined by the United States Congress. Similarly, the South Carolina state legislature is responsible for defining which offenses constitute felonies and misdemeanors under state law. The specific categorization and penalties for these offenses are outlined in the South Carolina Code of Laws, which provides a framework for the prosecution and sentencing of criminal activities within the state.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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South-Carolina State Code

South-Carolina State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles