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North Carolina has very strict laws when it comes to felonies. The laws are not only strict, but they can also be a bit confusing. Also, the justice delivery system in North Carolina is a bit different from what is obtainable in other states. For example, North Carolina does not have a statute of limitations on felonies. This means that no matter how much time has passed between when a felony was committed and when the perpetrator was arrested, he or she would still have to face the wrath of the law.
This is markedly different from what is obtainable in other states, where there is a statute of limitations for different felony offenses. For North Carolina, a prosecutor can always bring you to court, no matter how long ago you committed the felony, and you will most likely serve time depending on the severity of the offense. This is vastly different from North Carolina misdemeanors which have a two year statute of limitations for most misdemeanors.
As a result, it is in your best interest to get the services of a North Carolina criminal defense attorney immediately. As your lawyer we will look at the facts of your case and point out factors that can either make your sentence worse or lighter. Depending on whichever we find, we can work the case to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
North Carolina, like many other states, breaks its felonies into different classifications. However, the state does not sentence felonies the way other states do. There are no typical sentences for felonies in North Carolina. Rather, North Carolina treats each case differently and sentences felonies on a case-by-case basis.
North Carolina places offenses in different classes that are used to determine the extent of the punishment a person can be given. They are divided into ten different classes from A to I, with A being the most serious and I being the least serious. Class B is subdivided into classes B1 and B2.
Class H and Class I felonies are considered the least serious of felony offenses. However, that classification should not fool you into thinking they do not carry significant punishment. They still carry punishments that can negatively impact your life and future. Our firm primarily handles H and I felonies.
Class H felonies carry a maximum sentence of thirty-nine months in prison and include the following:
Class I felonies carry a maximum punishment of twenty-four months in prison and include the following:
As mentioned earlier, felonies in North Carolina are punished on a case-by-case basis. This is despite the punishments the statutes recommend. Felony punishments are of three types. They are active, intermediate and community punishments.
The punishment imposed is determined by considering the class of the felony committed and the prior conviction level of the defendant. The prior conviction level is determined by a point system. When a defendant has a prior conviction, points are added to his or her record. The points are a function of the class of the committed felony. Class A felonies, for instance, have ten points and Class H and I felonies have two points each. The conviction levels on record are as follows:
Asides, the class of felony and prior conviction level, sentences are imposed based on whether there were aggravating or mitigating factors. The most common aggravating factor is committing a felony while on parole. An example of a mitigating factor is that the defendant has been a person of good character or has had a good reputation in the community.
There is no statute of limitations on offenses in North Carolina. As a result, there is no escape based on the passage of time. Therefore, it is in your best interest to get the services of a competent North Carolina criminal defense attorney immediately.
At Stowe Law Firm, we believe in being true advocates and counselors for our clients. We have represented over five hundred clients and have garnered a wealth of experience along the way. We bring this considerable experience to bear in your case and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
To schedule a free initial consultation, you can reach us via our contact page or call 704-856-9502.
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