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 Montana (MT), as in other states, criminal offenses are classified into two main categories: felonies and misdemeanaries. Felonies are the more serious crimes, which can result in imprisonment for more than one year, and in some cases, may even lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty. Misdemeanors are less serious offenses and are punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, usually in a county jail rather than a state prison, or by fines and other lesser penalties. The Montana state legislature determines the classification of state crimes and the corresponding penalties. For federal offenses, the classification and penalties are established by the United States Congress. Each level of government has its own criminal code that specifies what constitutes a felony or a misdemeanor and the penalties for each offense.