Misdemeanors are relatively minor crimes punished by fines and jail time. They are divided into three categories: Class A misdemeanors, Class B misdemeanors and Class C misdemeanors. Class A is the most serious and Class C is the least serious of misdemeanors.
Felonies are major crimes punished by fines and time in a state penitentiary. They are divided into five categories: Class X felonies, Class 1 felonies, Class 2 felonies, Class 3 felonies and Class 4 felonies. Class X is the most severe and Class 4 is the least severe of felony charges.