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 Alabama, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime, consistent with the broader distinction used across the United States. Felonies in Alabama are serious crimes that can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and in some cases, life imprisonment or the death penalty. Examples of felonies include murder, rape, and burglary. Misdemeanors in Alabama are less serious offenses and are punishable by imprisonment for not more than one year, usually in a county jail rather than a state prison. Examples of misdemeanors include petty theft and simple assault. The Alabama legislature determines the classification of state offenses and the associated penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress establishes the classifications and penalties, determining which crimes are felonies and misdemeanors at the federal level.