New Hanover County NC Felony Defense Attorney David Collins

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In North Carolina as in most states, crimes are divided into two categories—misdemeanors and felonies. More serious crimes are categorized as felonies and less serious crimes are categorized as misdemeanors. On October 1, 1994, North Carolina implemented the structured sentencing laws. This legislation set up specific guidelines within which judges must sentence defendants. The sentences are determined pursuant to a grid which takes into account the defendant's prior record level and the classification of the crime. There are two different grids—one for misdemeanors and one for felonies.

In North Carolina, misdemeanors are divided into one of four classes ranging from the least serious Class 3 to the most serious, Class A-1. Class three misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of twenty days and Class A-1 misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of 150 days of incarceration. For misdemeanors, the defendants prior record level is divided into three categories which are: level 1, no prior convictions; level 2, one to four prior convictions and; level 3, five or more prior convictions.

The sentencing grid for felonies is more extensive. Felonies are categorized in classes ranging from Class I, which is the least serious, carrying a maximum punishment of 15 months in prison, and the most serious crimes are classified as Class A which carries a maximum sentence of death or life without parole. The prior record level for felonies will range from a record level 1 which is for a defendant with 0 points to at the most serious prior record level which is Level 6, which is the level for defendant's with 19 or more "points." The points for determining the record level under felony sentencing is determined by a set of rules where prior convictions for misdemeanors carry one point each and felony convictions carry two points for the least serious felonies and up to ten points for the most serious felonies.

Within the structured sentencing guidelines, there is room for the judge to impose a wide variety of conditions and the range of punishment within the guidelines is for the judge to decide based upon many factors including specific aggravating or mitigating factors. If you have been charged with a crime—either a misdemeanor or a felony—you should immediately consult with an attorney and not discuss your matter with anyone except for your attorney until and if your attorney advises you otherwise. There are many things that can be done which will either help or hurt your particular case and your attorney can help you minimize the negative impact you will ultimately suffer as a result of a criminal charge.

New Hanover County, North Carolina is located in southeastern North Carolina and is bordered on the East by the Atlantic Ocean. The northern border of New Hanover County is Pender County, and the western border is Brunswick County. Wilmington, North Carolina is the county seat of New Hanover County and is where the New Hanover County courthouse is located.

If you are charged with a crime or receive a traffic citation such as a speeding ticket anywhere within New Hanover County, your court date and court appearance will be in the New Hanover County courthouse in Wilmington, NC unless you are charged with a federal crime. Collins Law Firm regularly represents people charged with crimes or who have received traffic tickets in New Hanover County.

The New Hanover County Courthouse is located at 316 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Wilmington NC Lawyer - Attorney David Collins - Licensed in North and South Carolina since 1993

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