What is a Felony?

• A. A Minor Offense
• B. A Crime Punishable by Death or Confinement in Prison
• C. A Civil Penalty
• D. A Traffic Violation

Answer: (B)

Felonies are the most serious category of crimes, defined by the punishment they carry: death or confinement in prison for a significant period. This sets them apart from lesser offenses, like misdemeanors, which involve shorter prison terms or fines, and from civil penalties or traffic violations, which aren’t criminal offenses at all. The key idea is the severity of the punishment and the gravity of the crime. Examples include serious crimes such as murder, rape, armed robbery, and major drug offenses.