Which of the following defines a felony?

A felony is defined as a serious crime that is typically punishable by imprisonment for one year or more. This classification of crime reflects the severity of the offense and the potential harm it poses to individuals or society as a whole. Felonies include acts such as murder, robbery, and serious drug offenses, which warrant stricter penalties compared to lesser offenses.

This definition is crucial for understanding the legal system and the consequences that can follow certain behaviors. The designation of a crime as a felony carries significant implications, including the possibility of long-term imprisonment, loss of certain rights (such as voting or firearm ownership), and the impact on an individual's future employment opportunities.

The other options reference offenses that do not meet this threshold of severity. An offense punishable by less than one year typically characterizes a misdemeanor, while minor offenses that result in fines and actions that only result in community service generally fall into the category of infractions or petty crimes. Thus, the defining feature of a felony as a serious crime punishable by one year or more of incarceration highlights its distinct and serious nature in the legal framework.