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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 Florida, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on the severity of the crime, consistent with the broader distinction made in the United States. Felonies are the more serious offenses, potentially leading to prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious, with maximum sentences of one year or less. The Florida Legislature determines the classification of state offenses and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the United States Congress is responsible for setting the penalties and categorizing crimes as either felonies or misdemeanaries. The classification affects various aspects of the legal process, including sentencing, the possibility of expungement, and the rights of the convicted individual.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

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