Common Felony Charges in North Carolina

North Carolina recognizes two categories of crimes when determining sentences — misdemeanors and felonies. Felonies carry harsher penalties than misdemeanors, such as a potential jail sentence of over one year. Serious felony charges can result in decades or even life in prison. North Carolina laws classify felonies into 10 separate categories, with the most serious charges being Class A felonies. The least serious felony charges are considered Class I felonies.

Class A Felony Charges, the most severe type of felony, include high-level charges such as first-degree murder, unlawful use of a biological, nuclear, or chemical weapon, and mass destruction. A conviction for a Class A felony could lead to life imprisonment or even the death penalty for particularly heinous crimes. While Class A Founders are the most serious, Class B, C, and D felonies also carry significant prison sentences. Some of the most commonly charged Class A felonies in North Carolina include:

• Armed robbery
• Voluntary manslaughter
• Second-degree murder
• Second-degree rape
• First-degree sexual offenses

Under North Carolina laws, Class E, R, and G felonies are considered mid-tier felonies. They are still severe and can result in significant jail time if you are convicted. You could also face probation and lengthy prison sentences, especially if there are aggravated factors involved in your case. Some of the most commonly charged mid-level felonies are drug trafficking crimes. These crimes carry mandatory minimum jail sentences. The potential penalties for these crimes are not to be underestimated. Mid-level felonies include the following:

• Child abuse
• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault with a firearm on A law enforcement officer
• Arson on public buildings
• Habitual driving while impaired (DWI)

The penalties for these felonies depend on the factors involved in your case, such as whether you have been convicted of felonies in the past.

Low-level felonies include Class H and I felonies. Although you will probably not face a mandatory minimum jail sentence if you are charged with these levels of felonies, you could be facing substance abuse counseling, house arrest probation, and jail time. Your attorney may be able to successfully argue that you should base your decision on community service instead of jail time.

However, if you have been charged with one of these low-level felonies, you need to take these charges seriously. If you are convicted, you will still have a permanent criminal record and can face jail time and suffer ongoing negative consequences in the future. Some of the most commonly charged felonies categorized as Class H offenses include the following:

• Escaping from state prison
• Larceny of property worth over $1,000
• Habitual misdemeanor assault
• First-degree forgery
• Escaping from state prison
• Hit-and-run, resulting in another person's injury
• Breaking or entering into a building with felonious intent

Probably charged Class I felonies carry the least severe penalties and include the following:

• Possession of marijuana
• Financial transaction card theft
• Breaking or entering motor vehicles
• Forgery of checks, notes, or securities

If you have been charged with a felony and have questions about the penalties you will face, one of the best things you can do is discuss your case with a skilled attorney. The sentencing scheme for felonies in North Carolina is incredibly complicated and involves multiple factors, including the facts of your case, your criminal record, aggravating or mitigating factors, and whether you negotiate an agreement with the district attorney.

Whether you accept a plea dealer plea bargain will also be important. Seeking legal counsel is crucial in navigating this complex system and ensuring the best possible outcome for your case.

An attorney will give you the best chance possible of having the charges against you dismissed.

Your attorney can present evidence and negotiate a less severe penalty if convicted of a felony. North Carolina judges must consider factors that make you more or less guilty, which could reduce the mandatory minimum sentence. For example, if you show several mitigating factors in your case, your attorney may be able to have the charges against you dropped.

If you have been charged with a felony in Charlotte, North Carolina, you will benefit from speaking to an attorney as soon as possible. Contact Arnold & Smith, PLLC, to schedule a complimentary, no-obligation case evaluation with a skilled attorney.