Which of the following is a characteristic of felonies?

Felonies are classified as serious crimes that typically carry more severe punishments than misdemeanors and other lesser offenses. This characteristic reflects the gravity of the acts involved, which can include violent crimes such as murder and robbery, as well as non-violent crimes like fraud. The penalties for felonies often include substantial fines, imprisonment for over a year, or even more severe consequences such as life sentences or capital punishment in some jurisdictions.

While some felonies might involve non-violent actions, the overall classification is not limited to such crimes, and not all felonies necessitate a trial by jury since some can result in plea agreements or bench trials. Additionally, felonies can involve a range of penalties beyond just fines, including lengthy prison sentences. Thus, the defining feature of felonies lies in their potential for significant penalties, which aligns with the correct answer.