Understanding the NC Felony Sentencing Chart (2025)
How to read the NC felony grid: Prior Record Levels, mitigated/presumptive/aggravated ranges, and PRS.
The NC structured sentencing chart maps Offense Class (A–I) and Prior Record Level (I–VI) to a presumptive range. Judges may select the Mitigated or Aggravated range with proper findings.
➜ Explore ranges with the NC Felony Sentencing Calculator
Grid Basics
- Columns: PRL I–VI (criminal history)
- Rows: Offense Class A–I
- Cells: Mitigated | Presumptive | Aggravated ranges
PRS and Probation
- B1–E felonies with active sentences typically add 12 months PRS
- F–I felonies with active sentences commonly add 9 months PRS
FAQs
What is the presumptive range?
The default middle range used by judges, unless mitigating or aggravating circumstances are found.
How is PRS calculated?
Post-Release Supervision generally applies to B1–E felonies and is typically 12 months.
Table of Contents
- What the Grid Shows
- Prior Record Level (Points → Levels I–VI)
- Mitigated | Presumptive | Aggravated
- Punishment Types: Community, Intermediate, Active
- Post‑Release Supervision (PRS) Details
- Worked Examples
- FAQs
- Sources
What the Grid Shows
Each cell on the NC structured sentencing chart represents a range of months based on the intersection of the Offense Class (A–I) and Prior Record Level (I–VI). Judges start from the Presumptive range and move to Mitigated or Aggravated only with proper findings.
If you’re new to the classes, see: NC Felony Classes Explained (A–I).
Prior Record Level (Points → Levels I–VI)
North Carolina tallies points from qualifying prior convictions to determine PRL. More points → higher PRL → higher range. Always confirm how out‑of‑state convictions, joins, and consolidated judgments are counted.
Mitigated | Presumptive | Aggravated
- Presumptive: Default middle range; used absent findings.
- Mitigated: Below presumptive; requires sufficient mitigating factors.
- Aggravated: Above presumptive; requires sufficient aggravating factors.
Courts must make findings in compliance with N.C.G.S. § 15A‑1340.16 to depart from the presumptive range.
Punishment Types: Community, Intermediate, Active
Depending on the grid cell, a judge may impose:
- Community: Non‑incarcerative sanctions (e.g., probation, community service) when permitted.
- Intermediate: Probation with additional conditions (e.g., split sentences) where authorized.
- Active: Imprisonment; may be followed by PRS if applicable to the class.
Post‑Release Supervision (PRS) Details
- Active sentences for B1–E felonies typically include 12 months PRS.
- Active sentences for F–I felonies commonly include 9 months PRS.
- PRS is separate from the minimum/maximum imposed term; confirm specific statutory applications for the offense.
Worked Examples
- A Class H felony at PRL II in the presumptive range will have a lower range than the same offense at PRL V in aggravated. Use the tools below to see exact numbers.
- Class E felonies often carry active terms at higher PRLs and are subject to 12‑month PRS when active time is imposed.
➜ Calculate ranges with the tools:
- NC Felony Sentencing Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/felony-sentencing-calculator
- Class E Felony Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/class-e-felony-calculator
- Class F Felony Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/class-f-felony-calculator
- Class G Felony Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/class-g-felony-calculator
- Class H Felony Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/class-h-felony-calculator
- Class I Felony Calculator: /legal/north-carolina/class-i-felony-calculator
FAQs
What determines which range is used? Judges use the presumptive range unless they make sufficient findings for mitigating or aggravating circumstances.
Does probation eliminate PRS? PRS attaches to qualifying active sentences; it does not apply to straight probationary sentences.
Where can I see offense examples by class? See: NC Felony Classes Explained (A–I).