Penalty Info

Home / United States / North Carolina

North Carolina State law

State law — North Carolina

1 verified · 15 possibly — unconfirmed · 0 verification pending

Offences by family

Against the person

Assault (aggravated) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury / with intent to kill — Class E Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
15–63 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, inflicting serious injury — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
44–182 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Note on this entry

Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury is a Class C felony (44–182 months). Verify § 14-32 tiers against official text.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-32 (felonious assault)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Assault (simple) Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Simple assault / battery — Class 2 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–60 days
Fine
Fine discretionary (max $1,000 per § 15A-1340.23 for Class 2)

Assault on a female / child / officer — Class A1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–150 days
Fine
Fine discretionary
Note on this entry

Assault on a female by a male over 18, assault on a child under 12, and assault on an officer are Class A1 misdemeanours (0–150 days). Habitual misdemeanour assault (§ 14-33.2) is a Class H felony.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-33 (simple assault)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Domestic violence Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Assault on a female / domestic assault — Class A1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–150 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Habitual misdemeanour assault (§ 14-33.2) — Class H felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
4–25 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Violation of a domestic-violence protective order (§ 50B-4.1) — Class A1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–150 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Note on this entry

Strangulation (§ 14-32.4) is a Class H felony (4–25 months). Habitual misdemeanour assault (§ 14-33.2) is a Class H felony.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-33, 50B-4.1
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Underlying offence, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Voluntary manslaughter — Class D felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
38–160 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Involuntary manslaughter — Class F felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
10–41 months
Fine
Fine discretionary
Note on this entry

Involuntary manslaughter is a Class F felony (10–41 months).

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-18
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Homicide — murder Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st-degree murder — Class A felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Death or life without parole
Fine
No fine stated

2nd-degree murder — Class B1 felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
144–483 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

2nd-degree murder — inherently dangerous act / drug-distribution death — Class B2 felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
94–393 months
Fine
Fine discretionary
Note on this entry

North Carolina retains the death penalty for 1st-degree murder (no execution since 2006). A domestic-violence prior creates a rebuttable presumption of premeditation for partner killings (§ 14-17(a1)).

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-17
Official source
ncleg.gov (official) for § 14-27.21; LawServer/FindLaw for § 14-17
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Sexual offences

Sexual assault / rape Verified against official source

Verified against official source

This range was checked against the official legal text.

Statutory range

1st-degree forcible rape — force + weapon / serious injury / accomplice — Class B1

Imprisonment
144–483 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

2nd-degree forcible rape — force / incapacity — Class C

Imprisonment
44–182 months
Fine
Fine discretionary
Note on this entry

Statutory rape of a child ≤12 by an adult is a Class B1 felony (§ 14-27.23). Second-degree forcible sexual offence mirrors the rape tiers.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-27.21, 14-27.22
Official source
ncleg.gov (official) for §§ 14-27.21–14-27.22
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, victim age beyond tier, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Property

Burglary Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

1st-degree burglary — occupied dwelling, intent felony/larceny — Class D Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
38–160 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

2nd-degree burglary — unoccupied dwelling — Class G Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–31 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Felonious breaking or entering — building, intent felony/larceny (§ 14-54) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
4–25 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class H felony.

Misdemeanour breaking or entering Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class 1 misdemeanour.

Note on this entry

Ranges are the full span across prior-record levels (G.S. 15A-1340.17). 1st-degree burglary requires a person in actual occupation.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-51, 14-54
Official source
ncleg.gov (official) for § 14-51; firm summary for classes
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Robbery Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Armed robbery / robbery with a dangerous weapon (§ 14-87) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
38–160 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class D felony.

Common-law robbery (§ 14-87.1) Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–31 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class G felony.

Note on this entry

Ranges are the full span across prior-record levels.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-87, 14-87.1
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Theft Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Larceny — value $1,000 or less Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class 1 misdemeanour.

Larceny — value over $1,000; or from the person; or firearm / explosive Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
4–25 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class H felony.

Note on this entry

Larceny from the person, of explosives, of a firearm, or of an animal is a Class H felony regardless of value. Habitual larceny (4+ larceny convictions) is a Class H felony.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-72 (larceny)
Official source
FindLaw mirror of G.S. 14-72
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, restitution, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Vandalism / criminal damage Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Injury to real property (§ 14-127) — Class 1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Injury to personal property (§ 14-160) — Class 2 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–60 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Note on this entry

Verify §§ 14-127, 14-160 against official text.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-127, 14-160
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion, restitution. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Fraud & financial

Fraud Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Value under $100,000 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
4–25 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class H felony.

Value $100,000 or more Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
44–182 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class C felony; verify threshold.

Note on this entry

Verify § 14-100 against official text.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-100 (obtaining property by false pretences)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss beyond tier, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drugs

Drug possession Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Schedule I — Class I felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–12 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Full Class I range across prior-record levels.

Schedule II, III, IV — Class I felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–12 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify sub-tier exceptions against official text.

Schedule V — Class 1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Marijuana ≤1/2 oz — Class 3 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–20 days
Fine
$0–$200

Marijuana >1/2 oz–1 1/2 oz — Class 1 misdemeanour Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Marijuana >1 1/2 oz — Class I felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–12 months
Fine
Fine discretionary
Note on this entry

Possession tiers are in § 90-95(d). Marijuana: ≤1/2 oz is a Class 3 misdemeanour (max $200 fine); >1/2–1 1/2 oz is a Class 1 misdemeanour; >1 1/2 oz is a Class I felony. Fines for felonies are discretionary (G.S. 15A-1340.17(b)).

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(d)
Official source
ncleg.gov (official) for § 90-95; Justia mirror for (d) tiers
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, intent, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Drug trafficking / sale Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Manufacture / possess with intent — Sch I/II — Class H Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
4–25 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Sale of Sch I/II = Class G (8–31 months).

Fentanyl / carfentanil — Class F Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
10–41 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Any (a)(1) violation involving fentanyl/carfentanil.

Manufacture of methamphetamine — Class C Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
44–182 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Packaging/repackaging = Class H.

Sch III–VI manufacture / possess with intent — Class I Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
3–12 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Sale of Sch III–VI = Class H.

Trafficking — marijuana 10–50 lb Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Minimum 25 months (25–39 months)
Fine
Minimum $5,000

Class H trafficking; mandatory minimum.

Trafficking — marijuana 50–2,000 lb; cocaine 28–200 g Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Minimum 35 months
Fine
Minimum $25,000

Class G trafficking; verify cocaine tier.

Trafficking — marijuana 2,000–10,000 lb; cocaine 200–400 g; opium/heroin 4–14 g; meth 28–200 g Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Minimum 70 months
Fine
Minimum $50,000

Class F trafficking; verify each substance tier.

Trafficking — opium/heroin 14–28 g; meth 200–400 g Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Minimum 90 months
Fine
Minimum $100,000

Class E trafficking; verify.

Trafficking — marijuana 10,000+ lb; cocaine 400+ g; opium/heroin 28+ g; meth 400+ g Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
Minimum 175 months
Fine
Minimum $250,000

Class D trafficking; verify.

Note on this entry

Sale/delivery (non-trafficking quantities) is punished under § 90-95(b): Sch I/II sale = Class G felony; other sale = Class H; Sch III–VI sale = Class H; manufacture of methamphetamine = Class C. Trafficking (§ 90-95(h)) carries mandatory minimums that cannot be suspended. Fentanyl/carfentanil sale/manufacture = Class F felony.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(b), (h)
Official source
ncleg.gov (official) for § 90-95(b)
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, quantity, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Weapons

Weapons offences Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon — Class G felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–31 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Possession by a felon with a violent-felony prior — Class C felony Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
44–182 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Verify.

Note on this entry

Verify § 14-415.1 against official text; a violent-felony prior may raise the class.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.1 (possession of firearm by felon)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Traffic & transport

DUI / drink driving Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Level 5 — 1st offence, no aggravators Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
24 hours–60 days
Fine
$0–$200

Misdemeanour.

Level 4 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
48 hours–120 days
Fine
$0–$500

Level 3 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
72 hours–6 months
Fine
$0–$1,000

Level 2 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
7 days–12 months
Fine
$0–$2,000

Level 1 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
30 days–24 months
Fine
$0–$4,000

Aggravated Level 1 Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
120 days–36 months
Fine
$0–$10,000
Note on this entry

North Carolina uses 5 punishment levels plus Aggravated Level 1. A 4th DWI within 7 years is a felony. Verify § 20-138.1 / § 20-179 against official text.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-138.1, 20-179
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors beyond tier, BAC, minor passenger, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.

Cyber & digital

Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

Unauthorised access — base tier Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0–120 days
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class 1 misdemeanour — VERIFY.

Unauthorised access with intent to defraud / damage over threshold Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
8–31 months
Fine
Fine discretionary

Class G felony — VERIFY threshold and range.

Note on this entry

North Carolina's computer-crimes provisions are in §§ 14-453–14-458. Tier details below were NOT verified against official text — verify § 14-454 before publishing.

Statute
N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-454 (unauthorised access to computers)
Official source
Secondary summaries (non-official); official re-check needed
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Loss beyond tier, priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.