In 2023, the violent crime rate in North Carolina increased from 4.2 to 4.3 per 1000 people.
Source: https://www.safewise.com/blog/safest-cities-north-carolina/
As we know, the crime rate is increasing, and so is the need for affordable bail bonds in North Carolina. If you are charged with a felony in North Carolina, it’s always better to understand the class under which your felony falls. Just like the criminal justice system of other states, NC organizes felonies into 10 different lettered categories from Class A to I. While Class A felonies are the most severe crimes anyone can commit, Class I felonies are considered the last serious type of felonies. So, without further ado, let’s understand the different types of felonies in NC and when would you need Mecklenburg County, NC bail bonds.
But first, what is a felony?
A felony is the gravest form of criminal offense an individual can commit. Felons commit major offenses, including murder, aggravated assault, robbery, drug trafficking, as well as white-collar crimes like fraud and embezzlement. For the most part, felonies are divided into classes that specify the range of possible penalties for those found guilty. The type of crime committed, the degree of harm caused, and the offender’s prior criminal history all influence how severe the sentence for felonies will be.
Convictions for felonies carry severe and enduring consequences, including extended periods of imprisonment, the loss of voting rights, difficulty in securing employment, and housing restrictions. Understanding the gravity of a felony charge is crucial, and it’s advisable to seek legal counsel from a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney if facing such charges.
Difference between felony and misdemeanor
On the other hand, misdemeanors constitute less severe offenses and typically entail maximum sentences of up to one year in jail, fines, or both. Examples of misdemeanors include traffic violations, disorderly conduct, simple assault, and minor drug offenses.
Another critical contrast between misdemeanors and felonies lies in their impact on an individual’s criminal record. Under certain conditions, misdemeanor convictions can be wiped from a person’s record. Unlike, felony convictions are typically irrevocable, which has long-term effects on a person’s capacity to get work, housing, a firearm, and other rights and privileges.
Classes of Felonies in North Carolina
Each class of felony in North Carolina carries a distinct and wide-ranging set of imprisonment penalties. Irrespective of past criminal history and dispositional variations, the prison terms for each felony class are as follows:
- Class A felony: Punishable by death or life imprisonment with or without parole.
- Class B1 felony: Incurs a sentence ranging from 144 months to life without parole.
- Class B2 felony: Attracts a prison term spanning 94 to 393 months.
- Class C felony: Results in incarceration for 44 to 182 months.
- Class D felony: Leads to imprisonment for 38 to 160 months.
- Class E felony: Entails a sentence of 15 to 63 months in prison.
- Class F felony: Carries a penalty of 10 to 41 months of imprisonment.
- Class G felony: Imposes a sentence of 8 to 31 months in prison.
- Class H felony: Results in incarceration for 4 to 25 months.
- Class I felony: Attracts a prison term of 3 to 12 months.
Conclusion
Whether you are charged with a felony or misdemeanor, ensure to reach out to a 24-hour bail bondsman in NC to get out of jail before your trial. If you are searching for a trustworthy bail bond service in North Carolina, reach out to the professionals at Charlotte Bail Bonds now!
