Felony: a crime punishable by confinement in a state penitentiary.

• A. A crime punishable by imprisonment in a county jail
• B. A crime punishable by confinement in a state penitentiary
• C. A fine only offense
• D. A traffic violation

Answer: (B)

Felonies are crimes punishable by confinement in a state penitentiary, which signals a higher level of punishment compared to most other offenses. Being sent to a state facility is a hallmark of serious crimes, distinct from those punishable only by time in a county jail, which covers less severe offenses handled locally. A fine-only offense involves no imprisonment at all, and a traffic violation is typically an infraction or minor offense with fines or brief penalties rather than state prison time. So, the statement that a felony is punishable by confinement in a state penitentiary best captures what defines a felony.