Which statement about felonies is true?

• A. They are always traffic offenses
• B. They are civil wrongs
• C. They require a grand jury
• D. They are punishable by imprisonment for more than a year

Answer: (D)

Felonies are the most serious category of crimes, defined by the punishment they carry. The key feature is that they can be punished with imprisonment for more than one year in jail or prison (and in some cases with even harsher penalties). That long potential sentence is what sets felonies apart from less serious offenses.

This is why the statement stating they are punishable by more than a year of imprisonment is the best choice. It captures the essential distinction between felonies and other offenses like misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year) or infractions (often fines without jail time).

Keep in mind that not all felonies involve traffic offenses, and felonies are crimes, not civil wrongs (torts). Also, while many federal felonies require grand jury indictments, charging practices vary by jurisdiction, so a grand jury requirement isn’t universal.