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 Pennsylvania (PA), criminal offenses are indeed categorized into felonies and misdemeanors based on their severity, similar to the federal system. Felonies are considered more serious crimes and can result in imprisonment for more than one year, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses with potential sentences of up to one year. The Pennsylvania legislature has established the specific classifications and penalties for state offenses. Felonies in PA are further divided into classes (Felony 1, Felony 2, and Felony 3), with Felony 1 being the most serious. Misdemeanors are also classified into three classes (Misdemeanor 1, Misdemeanor 2, and Misdemeanor 3), with Misdemeanor 1 being the most serious within this category. The United States Congress is responsible for setting penalties for federal offenses and determining their classification as felonies or misdemeanors. The distinction between state and federal offenses is important because it determines which court system – state or federal – will handle the prosecution and punishment of the crime.