Criminal Laws by State
Each state writes its own criminal code, so the same act can be a misdemeanor in one state and a felony in another. Here is each state's rule, linked to the statute or official source it comes from. This is general information, not legal advice; if you are charged with a crime, you have the right to a lawyer.
Choose your state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Compare the states
- How Much Theft Is a Felony in Each State
- Stand Your Ground Laws by State
- Castle Doctrine Laws by State
- Criminal Statutes of Limitations in Every State
- Felony Classes and Sentences by State
- Misdemeanor Classes and Penalties by State
- Age of Consent Laws by State
- Marijuana Possession Laws by State
- Bail and Pretrial Release Laws by State
- Assault Laws and Penalties by State
- Battery Laws and Penalties by State
- Domestic Violence Charges by State
- Shoplifting and Petty Theft Penalties by State
- Burglary and Robbery Laws by State
- Vandalism Laws by State
- Trespassing Laws by State
- Drug Possession Penalties by State
- Hit and Run Laws by State
- Reckless Driving Laws by State
- Harassment and Stalking Laws by State
- Resisting Arrest Laws by State
- Penalties for Missing a Court Date by State
- Probation Violation Rules by State
- Obstruction of Justice by State
- Perjury Laws by State
- Public Intoxication Laws by State
- Disorderly Conduct Laws by State
- Indecent Exposure Laws by State
- Prostitution and Solicitation Laws by State
- Gambling Laws by State
- Embezzlement Laws by State
- Identity Theft and Fraud Laws by State
- Forgery Laws by State
- Blackmail and Extortion Laws by State
- First and Second Degree Murder Laws by State
- Manslaughter and Vehicular Homicide Laws by State
- Child Endangerment Laws by State
- Arson Laws by State
- Animal Cruelty Laws by State
- Revenge Porn Laws by State
- Cyberbullying Laws by State
- Sexting Laws for Minors by State
- Money Laundering Laws by State
- Human Trafficking Laws by State
- Jaywalking Laws by State
- Open Container Laws by State
- Minor in Possession and Fake ID Laws by State
- Driving on a Suspended License: Penalties by State
- Driving Without a License: Penalties by State
- Knife Laws by State
- Fireworks Laws by State
- Kidnapping Laws by State
- Criminal and Terroristic Threats Laws by State
- Car Theft and Joyriding Laws by State
- Receiving Stolen Property Laws by State
- Organized Retail Theft Laws by State
- Drug Trafficking Laws by State
- Prescription Drug Fraud Laws by State
- Vehicular Assault Laws by State
- Street Racing Laws by State
- BUI Laws by State
- Insurance Fraud Laws by State
- Public Benefits Fraud Laws by State
- Bribery Laws by State
- State Tax Evasion Laws by State
- Sexual Assault and Rape Laws by State
- Child Sexual Abuse Laws by State
- Child Sexual Abuse Material Laws by State
- Online Solicitation of a Minor by State
- Sex Offender Registration Laws by State
- Felon Gun Possession Laws by State
- Computer Crime Laws by State
- Recording Consent Laws by State
- False Police Report Laws by State
- Hate Crime Laws by State
- Parole Violation Rules by State
- Protective Order Violation Penalties by State
- When Juveniles Are Tried as Adults, by State
- Death Penalty Laws by State
- Felon Voting Rights by State
- Restoration of Rights After a Felony by State
- Three Strikes and Habitual Offender Laws by State
- Delta-8 and Hemp THC Laws by State
- Psilocybin Laws by State
- Kratom Laws by State
- CBD Laws by State
- Tobacco and Vape Age Laws by State
- Elder Abuse and Exploitation Laws by State
- Voyeurism Laws by State
- Assault on a Police Officer by State
Tools, guides and templates
Plain-English guides
- Can Criminal Charges Be Dropped?
- Do I Need a Lawyer for a Misdemeanor?
- Federal Drug Charges: Penalties and Mandatory Minimums
- Federal Gun Charges: Felon in Possession, 924(c), and Penalties
- Federal vs. State Crimes: What's the Difference?
- How Does Juvenile Court Work?
- How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record?
- How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
- How Do Plea Deals Work?
- How to Appeal a Criminal Conviction
- How to Get a Public Defender
- Illegal Reentry After Deportation: Federal Charges and Penalties
- Should You Talk to Police Without a Lawyer?
- What Happens After an Arrest?
- What Is a Bench Warrant?
- Misdemeanor vs. Felony: What's the Difference?
- What Is an Arraignment?
- What Is Extradition?
- What Is Mail Fraud?
- What Is Wire Fraud?
- What to Do If You Have a Warrant
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
A felony is the more serious category. In most states a felony can be punished by more than one year in prison, while a misdemeanor is punished by up to one year in a local jail, a fine, or both. Each state sets its own classes and limits; your state's page lists them.
Do I get a lawyer if I can't afford one?
If you are charged with a crime that could lead to jail time, the U.S. Constitution gives you the right to a lawyer, and the court will appoint a public defender or other lawyer if you cannot afford one. Ask for one at your first court appearance.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.