North Carolina Felony Classes Explained (A–I)
A clear guide to NC felony classes from A to I, typical offenses, and how classes drive sentencing ranges.
North Carolina classifies felonies from Class A (most serious) to Class I (least serious). Actual punishment depends on your Offense Class, Prior Record Level (PRL I–VI), and whether the court selects the Mitigated, Presumptive, or Aggravated range under the structured sentencing grid.
➜ Estimate ranges with the NC Felony Sentencing Calculator.
Table of Contents
- How NC Felony Classes Work
- Prior Record Level (PRL I–VI)
- Sentencing Ranges: Mitigated | Presumptive | Aggravated
- Post-Release Supervision (PRS)
- Class-by-Class Quick Reference (A–I)
- FAQs
- Sources
How NC Felony Classes Work
North Carolina’s structured sentencing uses two main inputs:
- Offense Class (A–I): Set by statute for each crime.
- Prior Record Level (PRL I–VI): Based on points from prior convictions.
The intersection of class and PRL on the grid produces three ranges. Judges generally sentence within the Presumptive range unless they find legally sufficient mitigating or aggravating factors.
➜ If you know the class, you can explore class-focused tools: Class F Felony, Class G Felony, Class H Felony, and Class I Felony. For possession scenarios, see Schedule II Possession.
Prior Record Level (PRL I–VI)
PRL reflects criminal history. More points → higher PRL → higher ranges. Levels are labeled I (lowest) through VI (highest). Some cells on the grid may permit community or intermediate punishment; others require active time.
Sentencing Ranges: Mitigated | Presumptive | Aggravated
- Mitigated: Lower than presumptive; requires sufficient mitigating findings.
- Presumptive: Default middle range absent findings.
- Aggravated: Higher than presumptive; requires sufficient aggravating findings.
Courts must comply with statutory procedures when moving off the presumptive range.
Post-Release Supervision (PRS)
For active sentences, many B1–E felonies carry 12 months PRS, while F–I felonies commonly carry 9 months PRS. Specific PRS applicability depends on the statute and sentence type.
Class-by-Class Quick Reference (A–I)
Below are typical examples frequently associated with each class. Statutes ultimately control the classification of any particular offense.
- Class A – Most serious offenses (e.g., first-degree murder).
- Class B1/B2 – Very serious violent felonies (certain sexual/offense-of-violence categories).
- Class C – Serious violent/property felonies (e.g., certain robbery or serious assault variants).
- Class D – Serious violent conduct (e.g., some manslaughter scenarios).
- Class E – Significant felonies often involving serious injury or weapon use. ➜ Explore: Class E Felony Calculator
- Class F – Mid-level felonies; assorted violent/property/drug offenses. ➜ Explore: Class F Felony Calculator.
- Class G – Mid-to-lower felonies; assorted violent/property/drug offenses. ➜ Explore: Class G Felony Calculator.
- Class H – Common lower felonies (e.g., many possession offenses, larceny-related). ➜ Explore: Class H Felony Calculator or Schedule II Possession.
- Class I – Least serious felony class (e.g., some possession/fraud variants). ➜ Explore: Class I Felony Calculator.
Related topic: for THC vapes and carts, see Are Vapes a Felony in North Carolina?.
FAQs
What is the most serious felony class? Class A is the most serious; I is the least.
Do all felonies require prison time? No. Some grid cells allow non-active punishments depending on class, PRL, and range.
What determines which range (mitigated/presumptive/aggravated) is used? Courts use the Presumptive range unless they make legally sufficient findings of mitigating or aggravating factors.
How does PRS work with felony sentences? Active sentences often include PRS (commonly 12 months for B1–E; 9 months for F–I). Details depend on the offense and sentence imposed.
Where can I learn to read the grid itself? See our companion article: Understanding the NC Felony Sentencing Chart.
Sources
- N.C.G.S. § 15A-1340.17 — Felony punishment chart
- UNC School of Government — Felony Sentencing Chart (Quick Reference)
- North Carolina Judicial Branch (NC Courts)
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This article is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified North Carolina criminal defense attorney for guidance specific to your case.