English common law divided all crimes into three classes—treason, felonies. and misdemeanors. Today, treason is usually considered a felony. In the United States a felony is a crime punishable by death or by a term (usually more than a year) in a federal or state prison. A misdemeanor is a less serious offense, usually punishable by a short imprisonment in a local (county, city, or township) jail. A fine may be imposed in addition to, or in place of, a term of imprisonment for a felony or misdemeanor.

Crimes committed on the spur of the moment under heavy provocation (such as serious insult or slander) are generally not punished as severely as crimes committed after careful thought and preparation. These premeditated crimes are sometimes called first-degree crimes.

Embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud are known as "white-collar" crimes. So-called "victimless" crimes include gambling and prostitution.