While not as severe as other felonies in North Carolina, a Class H felony still carries hefty penalties and can have drastic consequences for your future. It’s crucial to take a Class H felony charge seriously. Following are some examples of Class H felonies in North Carolina, the penalties for these offenses, and how Greenwood Law can aid in your defense.
The Scale of Felonies in North Carolina
North Carolina law organizes felony offenses into 10 classes. Class A, B1, and B2 felonies are the most severe offenses, while Class H and I felonies are at the low end of the scale. Class H felonies are the second-lowest tier, but a conviction could still send you to jail for several years.
Examples of Class H Felonies in North Carolina
Some offenses classified as Class H felonies in North Carolina include:
- Assault by strangulation
- Possession of stolen property
- Habitual misdemeanor assault (multiple assault convictions within 15 years)
- Fraudulently setting fire to a home
- Theft of more than $1,000 of property
- Breaking or entering with intent to commit a felony
- Embezzlement of less than $100,000
- Leaving the scene of a car accident that caused an injury
- Obtaining less than $100,000 in property by false pretenses
- Escaping from the state prison system
- Sale of a Schedule III, IV, V, or VI Controlled Substance
- Possession of cocaine with intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute
Penalties for Class H Felonies in North Carolina
The maximum prison sentence for a Class H felony in North Carolina is 39 months. However, a felony conviction can also have other severe consequences, such as:
- Large fines – While the specific amount depends on the offense, felonies in North Carolina often come with thousands of dollars in fines.
- The loss of your voting rights until you complete your sentence – A felony conviction in North Carolina means you can’t vote until your sentence is complete. It’s not just your prison sentence, either; you must pay all your fines and complete all the other terms of your sentence before the state restores your voting rights.
- The loss of your gun rights – North Carolina law forbids felons to own or possess guns, and you likely won’t regain your gun rights without a pardon.
- Difficulty finding a job – Many employers hesitate to fire people with felony convictions due to concerns about theft or violence in the workplace.
- Difficulty finding housing – Landlords frequently prevent renters with felony records from living at their properties, which can keep you from finding convenient and affordable housing after your release.
How Greenwood Law Can Help If You Face a Class H Felony
Our Winston-Salem criminal defense attorneys understand how a Class H felony can upend your life and derail your future. We can help you fight the charges you face by:
- Helping you get released on bail so you can wait at home while your case unfolds
- Examining the evidence against you for weaknesses or procedural errors that could lead to the dismissal of your charges
- Negotiating and evaluating plea agreements
- Representing you in court and handling all the necessary trial procedures
Don’t risk your future by not seeking legal help to fight a Class H felony charge. Call Greenwood Law today or reach out online for a confidential consultation.