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 Montana (MT), 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 Montana State Legislature determines the classification of state crimes and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the classification and penalties are established by the United States Congress. Both state and federal laws outline specific crimes and their categorization, and the penalties can vary widely depending on the nature of the offense and other factors such as prior criminal history or specific circumstances surrounding the crime.