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 North Carolina, criminal offenses are classified into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, with felonies being the more serious crimes. Felonies in North Carolina can result in prison sentences of more than one year, while misdemeanors typically carry sentences of one year or less. The North Carolina General Assembly determines the classification of state crimes 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 not only the potential sentences but also other legal consequences that may follow a conviction.