What A Misdemeanor Class Means
G.S. 15A-1340.23 — the class and the prior record set the range
| Class | No prior convictions | One to four | Five or more |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClassA1 | No prior convictions1 to 60 days, C/I/A | One to four1 to 75 days, C/I/A | Five or more1 to 150 days, C/I/A |
| Class1 | No prior convictions1 to 45 days, C | One to four1 to 45 days, C/I/A | Five or more1 to 120 days, C/I/A |
| Class2 | No prior convictions1 to 30 days, C | One to four1 to 45 days, C/I | Five or more1 to 60 days, C/I/A |
| Class3 | No prior convictions1 to 10 days, C | One to four1 to 15 days, C, or C/I with four priors | Five or more1 to 20 days, C/I/A |
In North Carolina, C means a community punishment is authorized, I an intermediate punishment, and A an active sentence. Any term within the range is permitted.
The fines. Unless a specific offense says otherwise, the maximum fine is $200 for a Class 3 misdemeanor and $1,000 for a Class 2; for Class 1 and A1 it is in the court's discretion. A Class 3 misdemeanor with no more than three prior convictions is punished by a fine only.
The State proves each prior conviction by a preponderance of the evidence, by stipulation, a court record, a state agency's records, or another method the court finds reliable.
Sources for this section (2)
- G.S. 15A-1340.23 — Punishment limits for each class of misdemeanor
- G.S. 15A-1340.21 — Prior conviction level for misdemeanor sentencing
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed North Carolina attorney.