What describes a "status offense" in juvenile law?

A "status offense" refers specifically to actions that are considered violations of the law solely because of the age of the individual involved. This means that these behaviors would not be deemed illegal if committed by an adult. Examples of status offenses include truancy, curfew violations, and underage drinking. Therefore, option B accurately describes a status offense, as it highlights that the illegality is contingent upon the individual's age rather than the nature of the act itself.

The other options describe different legal concepts. For instance, a crime applicable to all age groups would imply that the offense is universally recognized as illegal, which does not relate to the specific context of juvenile law and status offenses. Serious felony offenses typically involve significant legal consequences and are treated with more severity than status offenses. Lastly, a voluntary crime as per adult standards doesn't capture the essence of a status offense, since status offenses are not defined by standards applicable to adults but rather by the specific restrictions placed on minors.