Crime can be defined as behavior that is punishable by fine or imprisonment, as regulated by the local, state, or federal authorities. By this definition, you commit a crime when you break an existing law. Since laws can differ among different jurisdictions, what may be a crime in one place may be perfectly acceptable behavior in another. Crimes are usually divided into misdemeanors and felonies. A misdemeanor is a crime for which the punishment is less than one year in prison; a felony is a crime punishable by imprisonment for a year or more. Some crimes, sometimes called 'wobblers' can be classified either as misdemeanors or felonies at the discretion of the judge trying the case. Some illegal behavior is only punishable by fine, for example some traffic violations. This behavior is generally not considered criminal at all, but the act is an infraction. The precise definition of criminal behavior depends on the laws that pertain to a specific jurisdiction, although serious crimes, or felonies, are generally regarded in a similar light throughout the country.
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