Kuwait's Penal Code divides crimes into two categories under Article 2: felonies (جنايات) and misdemeanors (جنح).
According to Article 3, a felony is a crime punishable by the death penalty, life imprisonment, or temporary imprisonment of more than three years (and/or a fine exceeding 3,000 rupees). These are the most serious offences in the Kuwaiti legal system — think violent crimes, major drug trafficking, or crimes against the state.
Article 5 defines a misdemeanor as a crime punishable by imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine. Many offences that expats might inadvertently encounter — such as bounced cheques, certain traffic violations escalated to criminal level, or minor public order offences — typically fall into this category.
The distinction matters enormously for expats because it affects the statute of limitations (how long prosecutors have to charge you), the severity of sentencing, and the immigration consequences. A felony conviction, for example, will almost certainly result in deportation after serving any sentence. If you are charged with any offence, identifying whether it is classified as a felony or misdemeanor should be one of the first questions you ask your lawyer.
This is general legal information, not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a lawyer licensed in Kuwait.