What type of offenses are not violations of the law if committed by an adult?

The correct answer is status offenses, which refer to actions that are considered violations only because of a person's status as a minor, rather than because the act itself is inherently illegal. Status offenses typically include behaviors such as truancy, running away from home, or underage drinking. These acts are not considered crimes when committed by adults, as the legal framework that deems them offenses applies specifically to juveniles.

In contrast, criminal offenses, serious offenses, and felonies apply uniformly to individuals regardless of age. Criminal offenses cover a broad range of behaviors that are punishable by law, serious offenses generally refer to more severe crimes that can lead to significant penalties, and felonies are categorized as serious crimes typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year. Understanding the distinction between these categories is essential for recognizing how the legal system views different types of behavior based on age.