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 Wyoming (WY), as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity. Felonies are the more serious crimes, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, and can include offenses such as murder, rape, and robbery. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and are generally punishable by a jail sentence of one year or less, or by fines and/or community service. Examples of misdemeanors might include petty theft, simple assault, and some traffic violations. The Wyoming State Legislature is responsible for defining state crimes and their classifications as either felonies or misdemeanors. For federal offenses, the classification and penalties are established by the United States Congress. It is important to note that the distinction between felonies and misdemeanors can affect many aspects of the legal process, including sentencing, the right to a jury trial, and the expungement of criminal records.