Which crime is considered a serious offense punishable by imprisonment?

A felony is classified as a serious offense that carries severe penalties, including imprisonment that typically exceeds one year. This classification distinguishes felonies from other types of crimes, such as misdemeanors, which are considered less serious and usually lead to shorter sentences, often carried out in local jails. Infractions represent minor violations, such as traffic offenses, which typically result in fines rather than imprisonment. Petty crimes are also minor offenses and share similarities with misdemeanors but do not carry the same level of severity or potential for significant jail time. Thus, the correct choice emphasizes the gravity of a felony in the legal system, highlighting its consequences, including the likelihood of longer incarceration periods.