Following a criminal conviction, the convict will be sentenced to a punishment that may vary based on the nature of the crime, whether anyone was injured or killed as a result of the crime, and whether the individual has criminal history. Less serious misdemeanor crimes may carry sentences that include expensive fines or community service. More serious crimes may result in lengthy prison sentences, permanent marks on a criminal record and far more expensive fines.

Because the penalties can be harsh, individuals charged with a crime need to hire an aggressive and knowledgeable criminal lawyer who will be able to build them a strong defense and fight to protect their rights. If you are in need of a highly skilled Raleigh criminal law attorney in North Carolina, contact Curtis R. High, Attorney at Law.

North Carolina Sentencing Guidelines

The following sentencing guidelines are stipulated in the North Carolina Revised General Statutes, Chapter 14, Criminal Law (more comprehensive information regarding these statutes are held in the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 14):

  • Class A felonies are punishable by life prison sentences or death sentences
  • Class B felonies are punishable by life prison sentences
  • Class C felonies are punishable by up to 50 years in prison and/or a fine
  • Class D felonies are punishable by up to 40 years in prison and/or a fine
  • Class E felonies are punishable by up to 30 years in prison and/or a fine.
  • Class F felonies are punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine.
  • Class G felonies are punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine
  • Class H felonies are punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine
  • Class I felonies are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and/or a fine
  • Class J felonies are punishable by up to 3 years in prison and/or a fine

For misdemeanor crimes, the sentences can carry up to a 2-year prison term and/or a fine.

Appeals Attorneys

Wake County criminal defense lawyer Curtis High is a highly experienced appeals attorney who will work tirelessly on your behalf. When a case is successfully appealed, the verdict is overturned and the convict's sentence may be suspended altogether. While some appeals cases are filed and won on the basis of error in procedure or fact, others can be won due to errors in the law.

For more information about an appeal, or to schedule a consultation, contact Mr. High today.