What distinguishes a felony from a misdemeanor in Kansas?

The distinguishing feature of a felony in Kansas is that it is defined by law as a crime that is punishable by death or imprisonment. This classification is significant because felonies typically involve more serious offenses than misdemeanors, which are generally punishable by lighter sentences such as fines or short-term jail time (usually less than one year).

In the Kansas criminal justice system, the penalties for felonies reflect the severity of the crimes, which can vary from lengthy prison sentences to capital punishment. This distinction is crucial for law enforcement, legal professionals, and the courts as it impacts the prosecution, defense, and sentencing process.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what constitutes a felony in legal terms; for example, while it is true that some felonies can involve non-adults, they are not limited to only adult offenders. Additionally, not all felonies necessarily result in fines, nor are they exclusively non-violent crimes, as many felonies can include violent offenses.