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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 Indiana, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity. Felonies are the more serious offenses, potentially leading to prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious, with sentences of up to one year, often served in a county jail. The classification of crimes and the corresponding penalties at the federal level are determined by the United States Congress. Similarly, the Indiana General Assembly is responsible for defining state criminal offenses and their classifications as either felonies or misdemeanaries. The specific statutes and codes within Indiana law outline the elements of each crime and the associated penalties, which can include imprisonment, fines, or both.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Indiana State Code

Indiana State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles