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 Arizona, criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors, reflecting the seriousness of the crime. Felonies are the more severe offenses and can result in prison sentences exceeding one year. These crimes include but are not limited to murder, rape, arson, and certain forms of theft and drug offenses. Misdemeanors in Arizona are less serious crimes and typically carry penalties of up to one year in county or local jail. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft, simple assault, and some traffic violations. The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) outline the specific classifications and penalties for state crimes. For federal offenses, the United States Congress has established the classifications and penalties, which apply nationwide. Both state and federal laws define which offenses fall into each category, and the penalties vary depending on the severity of the crime and other factors such as the defendant's criminal history.