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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 Maine, as in other states, criminal offenses are categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity. Felonies are the more serious crimes, potentially leading to prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious, with sentences of one year or less. The classification of crimes and the corresponding penalties at the federal level are established by the United States Congress. This federal classification determines which offenses are considered felonies and which are misdemeanors. Similarly, the state legislature in Maine has the authority to define and categorize criminal offenses under state law. The Maine Criminal Code outlines the specific offenses that are considered felonies or misdemeanors within the state, along with their potential penalties.

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Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Maine State Code

Criminal charges

misdemeanors

Articles