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 Mississippi (MS), criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime, consistent with the broader distinction used across the United States. Felonies in Mississippi are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and in some cases, may lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty, depending on the nature of the offense. Misdemeanors in Mississippi are less serious offenses and are punishable by fines, probation, community service, and/or imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. The Mississippi Legislature has the authority to define state crimes and their respective classifications and penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress determines the classification and penalties, which apply nationwide. Therefore, a crime may be a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the laws enacted by the Mississippi Legislature or Congress, and the penalties will vary accordingly.