North Carolina Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences 2024 Explained

Facing a criminal charge in North Carolina can be a confusing and difficult first step in the criminal justice system. The first thought you may have is seeking to understand the potential penalties you could face. The answer to that is dependent on the classification of the criminal charge you face. Understanding North Carolina felony crimes by class and sentences can help you prepare for the difficult road ahead.

Each class of felony crime carries with it a different set of penalties that could impact you and your future.

Class A Felonies

The most serious offenses in North Carolina are classified as Class A felonies. Potential crimes that can result in a Class A felony offense include murder and capital offenses. A conviction under this level of crime can result in life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. The specific penalty could depend on the defendant’s prior criminal history and the circumstances of the case.

Types of crimes associated with this class of felony include capital murder, murder in the first degree, or the use of weapons of mass destruction.

Class B1 and B2 Felonies

There are two subcategories of Class B felonies: B1 and B2. Class B felonies are considered serious offenses. Violent sexual assaults, incest, other sexual crimes, and murder in the second degree are classified as Class B1 felonies. A conviction under this classification of crime could result in life imprisonment without parole.

Class B2 felonies can include voluntary manslaughter or murder in the second degree under mitigating circumstances. In addition to these, Class B2 felonies can include human trafficking, child abuse, and even cases in which a controlled substance is the cause of death.

Class C Felonies

Class C felonies encompass a wide range of serious offenses, including second-degree rape, first-degree kidnapping, and various forms of assault. For instances of theft involving property valued greater than $100,000, a Class C conviction could be filed.

A conviction for a Class C felony typically results in up to 231 months in prison, although the exact sentence depends on the defendant’s prior record and the circumstances of the offense.

Class D Felonies

Manslaughter, armed robbery, death by vehicle, and other serious offenses are classified as Class D felonies. A conviction under this classification could result in up to 204 months in prison. Class D felonies often involve violent acts or substantial harm to others, making them among the more severe non-capital felonies in the state.

Class E Felonies

Anyone charged with assaulting a police officer, selling drugs near a school, or discharging a weapon toward an occupied home could face a Class E felony charge. A conviction under this classification could lead to a prison sentence of up to 88 months.

Class F Felonies

Class F felonies include offenses like involuntary manslaughter, possession of a weapon of mass destruction, and some forms of sexual assault. The sentencing range for a Class F felony is typically 10 to 59 months, depending on the nature of the offense and the defendant’s prior record. These offenses, while serious, are generally considered less severe than Class A through E crimes.

Class G and H Felonies

Class G felonies include crimes such as felony breaking and entering, second-degree arson, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, with prison sentences ranging from 8 to 47 months. Though not typically violent, these offenses still result in significant prison time.

Class H felonies involve nonviolent crimes such as larceny, forgery, and possession of stolen goods. Sentences range from 4 to 25 months. Offenders with minimal criminal history may receive probation or community service. While considered less severe, repeat offenses can lead to harsher penalties.

Class I Felonies

Class I felonies are the least severe in North Carolina but still carry a maximum sentence of 24 months. Crimes under this classification are often drug-related and nonviolent. Class I felonies can still lead to a permanent criminal record, impacting future employment and other opportunities.

Sentencing Guidelines

Under North Carolina’s penal code, judges generally have a range of penalties they can choose from during the sentencing phase of a trial. Prosecutors also take sentencing guidelines into consideration when offering plea bargain agreements.

North Carolina employs a structured sentencing system. This system considers the defendant’s prior criminal record and the severity of the crime. Offenders with a higher prior record level will generally face harsher penalties.

The courts may consider aggravating and mitigating factors. Aggravating factors add to the criminality of the offense and can lead to harsher penalties. Mitigating factors, such as the self-defense argument, can lead prosecutors or judges to show leniency when it comes to sentencing.

FAQs

Q: What Is a Class I Felony in North Carolina?

A: A Class I felony in North Carolina is the least severe category of felony, but it still carries significant penalties. Convictions can lead to prison time, fines, and long-term consequences on personal and professional life. Sentences depend on prior criminal history, any aggravating factors tied to the case, and the specific nature of the offense.

Q: What Is a Class C Felony in North Carolina?

A: A Class C felony in North Carolina is a serious offense that can result in substantial prison time. Crimes in this category include second-degree murder, sexual offenses, and large-scale drug trafficking, with penalties varying based on the defendant’s criminal history. The maximum prison sentence for this crime is 231 months.

Q: Do First-Time Felony Offenders Go to Jail in North Carolina?

A: First-time felony offenders in North Carolina may not always go to jail, depending on the class of felony and the individual’s criminal history. Lower-class felonies may result in probation, fines, or community service, while more serious felonies are likely to carry mandatory prison sentences. North Carolina’s penal code allows for a wide range of sentencing options for felonies.

Q: What’s the Most Serious Class of Felony?

A: The most serious class of felony in North Carolina that carries the most serious penalties is a Class A felony. These are the most serious crimes, including first-degree murder, and they carry the harshest penalties, such as life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty. Convictions have long-lasting, devastating consequences.

Schedule Your Felony Charge Consultation Today

Any felony conviction could lead to a serious prison sentence and a criminal record that will follow you for life. Having a strong defense strategy can reduce the chances that you face the most severe penalties under the law.

The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, has helped many criminal defendants avoid the most serious penalties under the law. A strong legal defense could lead to dropped or reduced charges. In other cases, a favorable plea bargain agreement could help a defendant get off with probation. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.