Aside from legal penalties, being charged with a felony can have a serious impact on the accused’s life. From difficulty getting a job to having a damaged reputation with friends and family, this type of charge can alter a person’s life. If you have been accused of committing a felony offense, it is crucial that you contact a North Carolina felony offense attorney as soon as possible.
King Law is a North Carolina criminal defense law firm with extensive experience helping clients who have been accused of facing felony offenses. Our award-winning legal team understands that being accused of a serious crime like a felony can be overwhelming. It can often feel like the entire legal system is against you after a felony offense accusation. However, that is where our team of felony offense lawyers come in. We are passionate about providing our clients with the dedicated and trusted representation they deserve.
What Are Felony Classifications in North Carolina
In North Carolina, the different types of felonies are divided up into 10 classifications with Class A being the most serious and Class I being the most minor of the crimes.
High Level Felonies
High level offenses are considered to be the most serious of all the classification of felonies in North Carolina. The maximum penalty for a person convicted of this type of felony would be life in prison or death. Included in the category of high level felonies are the classifications of Class A, B1, B2, C, and D. Examples of the crimes included in high level felonies are:
- First-degree murder
- Unlawful use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons of mass destruction
- First-degree sexual offense
- Second-degree murder
- Second-degree rape
- First-degree kidnapping
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Armed robbery
The exact penalty depends on circumstances within the case.
Mid Level Felonies
Mid level felonies include the classifications of Class E, F, and G. These crimes include:
- Child abuse
- Assault with a firearm on a law enforcement officer
- Common-law robbery
- Assault with a deadly weapon
- Arson of public buildings
- Habitual impaired driving
The penalties for this category of crimes can vary greatly and may range from extended probation periods to lengthy prison sentences.
Low Level Felonies
Low level felonies include Class H and I offenses and are typically punishable by probation, house arrest, community service, or substance abuse counseling in lieu of jail time.
Class H offenses include:
- Habitual misdemeanor assault
- Breaking or entering a building with criminal intent
- Larceny of property worth more than $1,000
- First-degree forgery
- Escaping from state prison
- Hit and run resulting in injury
Class I offenses include:
- Possession of marijuana
- Financial transaction card theft
- Forgery of notes, checks, or securities
- Breaking or entering motor vehicles
If you are accused of a Class I offense, the maximum penalty you may face is 24 months in jail.
How Does Felony Sentencing Work in North Carolina?
Every felony offense case will be handled differently due to the details and facts of each particular situation. There are various different factors that may lead to the sentence you receive, including your criminal record and whether you make an agreement with the district attorney’s office. In North Carolina, the courts use the following steps in order to determine the proper sentencing after a felony offense:
- Identifying the appropriate offense class
- Determining the prior record level for this type of felony offense
- Considering factors that may make the defendant more or less culpable
- Finding the appropriate minimum and maximum sentence for the offense
- Determining what the final sentence will be
After receiving the sentence imposition, there may be immediate consequences like probation or community service.
Contact a North Carolina Felony Offense Lawyer
If you have been accused of a felony in North Carolina, you may be facing severe penalties like prison time. To get help building your defense, contact a North Carolina felony offense attorney as soon as possible.
King Law is a team of North Carolina criminal defense lawyers with extensive experience helping clients who have been charged with a felony offense. Our award-winning attorneys are dedicated to helping you build a strong defense as we protect you and your rights. To schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable felony offense lawyers, contact us here or call (888) 748-5464.