§ 15A-1340.23. Punishment limits for each class of offense and prior conviction level. - North Carolina Statutes

§15A‑1340.23.  Punishment limits for each class of offense and priorconviction level.

(a)        OffenseClassification; Default Classifications. – The offense classification is asspecified in the offense for which the sentence is being imposed.  If theoffense is a misdemeanor for which there is no classification, it is asclassified in G.S. 14‑3.

(b)        Fines. – Anyjudgment that includes a sentence of imprisonment may also include a fine. Additionally, when the defendant is other than an individual, the judgment mayconsist of a fine only.  If a community punishment is authorized, the judgmentmay consist of a fine only.  Unless otherwise provided for a specific offense,the maximum fine that may be imposed is two hundred dollars ($200.00) for aClass 3 misdemeanor and one thousand dollars ($1,000) for a Class 2misdemeanor.  The amount of the fine for a Class 1 misdemeanor and a Class A1misdemeanor is in the discretion of the court.

(c)        Punishment for EachClass of Offense and Prior Conviction Level; Punishment Chart Described. –Unless otherwise provided for a specific offense, the authorized punishment foreach class of offense and prior conviction level is as specified in the chartbelow.  Prior conviction levels are indicated by the Roman numerals placed horizontallyon the top of the chart.  Classes of offenses are indicated by the Arabicnumbers placed vertically on the left side of the chart.  Each grid on thechart contains the following components:

(1)        A sentencedisposition or dispositions: "C" indicates that a communitypunishment is authorized; "I" indicates that an intermediatepunishment is authorized; and "A" indicates that an active punishmentis authorized; and

(2)        A range of durationsfor the sentence of imprisonment: any sentence within the duration specified ispermitted.

PRIOR CONVICTION LEVELS

MISDEMEANOR

       OFFENSE                 LEVELI                         LEVEL II                          LEVEL III                  

         CLASS                    NoPrior                   One to Four Prior                  Five or More

                                       Convictions                     Convictions                    PriorConvictions

            A1                   1‑60days C/I/A           1‑75 days C/I/A                 1‑150 daysC/I/A

            1                      1‑45days C                 1‑45 days C/I/A                 1‑120 daysC/I/A

            2                      1‑30days C                 1‑45 days C/I                     1‑60 daysC/I/A

            3                      1‑10days C                 1‑15 days C/I                     1‑20 daysC/I/A.

 (1993, c. 538, s. 1; 1994, Ex. Sess., c. 24, s.14(b); 1995, c. 507, s. 19.5(g).)