Which term corresponds to any criminal offense punishable under state law by death or imprisonment in a state facility for more than one year?

• A. Misdemeanor
• B. Felony
• C. Infraction
• D. Violation

Answer: (B)

In criminal law, offenses are classified by the potential punishment. A felony is the category for the most serious crimes, defined as offenses punishable by death or by imprisonment in a state prison for more than one year. This distinguishes it from less severe offenses. A misdemeanor, by contrast, carries up to one year in a jail (typically county), not a state facility. An infraction is usually a non-criminal violation punishable by fines, and a violation refers to minor, often civil offenses not resulting in imprisonment. So the term that fits the description of death or imprisonment in a state facility for more than one year is felony.