 Criminal offenses are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is punishable by not more than one year in custody, while offenses punishable by lengthier terms of imprisonment – and even death – are classified as felonies. Generally speaking, criminal offenses can be prosecuted by the federal government, state authorities, or both. The prosecution of most violent crime and so-called "street crime" has been traditionally reserved for the states, while offenses that occur on federal property, involve federal officials, or affect interstate commerce are prosecuted by the federal government. |
