North Carolina Criminal Offenders
The new laws in NC beginning in 2026
A look at some of the new state laws North Carolina has adopted for 2026 and some that were enacted in late 2025.
https://www.starnewsonline.com/story/news/local/2026/01/01/the-new-laws-in-nc-beginning-in-2026/87508582007/STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA JUDICIAL DISTRICT
IV. OFFICIAL POLICIES ON PRETRIAL RELEASE. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 2026. NAME. This policy.
https://www.nccourts.gov/assets/documents/local-rules-forms/FILED%202026%20Bond%20Policy.pdfNew North Carolina laws take effect Dec. 1 • NC Newsline
6:01 News Story A bundle of new North Carolina laws, including packages of changes to criminal punishments and the state’s pretrial release process, are set to take effect on Dec. 1. That includes “Iryna’s Law”, a Republican-led measure that limits pretrial release options for those accused of violent crimes, ramps up scrutiny of court magistrates and attempts to jumpstart the state’s death penalty process.
https://ncnewsline.com/2025/11/27/which-nc-laws-take-effect-on-dec-1-new-felonies-pretrial-release-changes-more/
New North Carolina laws take effect Dec. 1 • NC Newsline
6:01 News Story A bundle of new North Carolina laws, including packages of changes to criminal punishments and the state’s pretrial release process, are set to take effect on Dec. 1. That includes “Iryna’s Law”, a Republican-led measure that limits pretrial release options for those accused of violent crimes, ramps up scrutiny of court magistrates and attempts to jumpstart the state’s death penalty process.
https://ncnewsline.com/2025/11/27/which-nc-laws-take-effect-on-dec-1-new-felonies-pretrial-release-changes-more/
New Edition of the North Carolina Sentencing Handbook Available – North Carolina Criminal Law
For the second day in a row, I’m pleased to announce a new publication co-authored by Belal. The latest edition of the North Carolina Sentencing Handbook is available for purchase here. Though the sentencing grids remain unchanged, there have been many appellate cases decided and legislative changes made since the last edition of the book was published in 2018.
https://nccriminallaw.sog.unc.edu/2026/01/08/new-edition-of-the-north-carolina-sentencing-handbook-available/
New Edition of the North Carolina Sentencing Handbook Available – North Carolina Criminal Law
For the second day in a row, I’m pleased to announce a new publication co-authored by Belal. The latest edition of the North Carolina Sentencing Handbook is available for purchase here. Though the sentencing grids remain unchanged, there have been many appellate cases decided and legislative changes made since the last edition of the book was published in 2018.
https://nccriminallaw.sog.unc.edu/2026/01/08/new-edition-of-the-north-carolina-sentencing-handbook-available/
North Carolina Joins National Effort to Expand Education and ...
Wednesday, January 14, 2026. North Carolina Joins National Effort to Expand ... for individuals with criminal records. JFF said North Carolina has shown a ...
https://www.dac.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/14/north-carolina-joins-national-effort-expand-education-and-workforce-pathways-justice-impactedDepartment of Justice | Homepage | United States Department of Justice
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https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/north-carolina-convicted-sex-offender-sentenced-50-years-federal-prison-attemptingDepartment of Justice | Homepage | United States Department of Justice
An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/north-carolina-convicted-sex-offender-sentenced-50-years-federal-prison-attemptingStein notes NC's prison reentry efforts as repeat offenders ...
Josh Stein said Wednesday. Posted 9:21 AM Jan 7, 2026 Updated 12:14 PM Jan 9, 2026.
https://www.wral.com/news/nccapitol/stein-nc-prison-reentry-efforts-repeat-offenders-scrutiny-jan-2026/North Carolina Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences [2026 Explained]
North Carolina classifies felony crimes into nine categories (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I) with varying sentence lengths. Class A felonies carry the most severe penalties including life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty for crimes like first-degree murder.
https://www.cleaveslawfirm.com/blog/north-carolina-felony-crimes-by-class-and-sentences/![North Carolina Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences [2026 Explained]](screenshots/north_carolina_criminal_offenders_10.jpg)
North Carolina Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences [2026 Explained]
North Carolina classifies felony crimes into nine categories (A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I) with varying sentence lengths. Class A felonies carry the most severe penalties including life imprisonment without parole or the death penalty for crimes like first-degree murder.
https://www.cleaveslawfirm.com/blog/north-carolina-felony-crimes-by-class-and-sentences/
Senate Bill 633 (2025-2026 Session) - North Carolina General Assembly
Guarding Freedoms & Public Safety Act. 2025-2026 Session ... COMMERCE; CRIMES; CRIMINAL RECORDS; DOMESTIC ... None. Votes: None. NC State Seal. North Carolina ...
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S633/True
Senate Bill 633 (2025-2026 Session) - North Carolina General Assembly
Guarding Freedoms & Public Safety Act. 2025-2026 Session ... COMMERCE; CRIMES; CRIMINAL RECORDS; DOMESTIC ... None. Votes: None. NC State Seal. North Carolina ...
https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S633/True
Class 2 Misdemeanors in NC 2026
Most offenders who are charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor do not receive any jail time as part of their sentence. In North Carolina, misdemeanors are broken down into four different classes with the lowest class being a Class 3 Misdemeanor and the highest class being a Class A1 Misdemeanor.
https://www.granadoslaw.com/blog/class-2-misdemeanors-in-nc/
Class 2 Misdemeanors in NC 2026
Most offenders who are charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor do not receive any jail time as part of their sentence. In North Carolina, misdemeanors are broken down into four different classes with the lowest class being a Class 3 Misdemeanor and the highest class being a Class A1 Misdemeanor.
https://www.granadoslaw.com/blog/class-2-misdemeanors-in-nc/
HB575 | North Carolina 2025-2026 | The Hunter Robinson Act. - Legislative Tracking | PolicyEngage
− Full Texts (2) − Actions (14) On May 1, 2025 in the Senate: - Regular Message Received From House - Passed 1st Reading - Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate On May 1, 2025 in the House: - Regular Message Sent To Senate On April 30, 2025 in the House: - Passed 2nd Reading - Passed 3rd Reading On April 28, 2025 in the House...
https://trackbill.com/bill/north-carolina-house-bill-575-the-hunter-robinson-act/2709504/
HB575 | North Carolina 2025-2026 | The Hunter Robinson Act. - Legislative Tracking | PolicyEngage
− Full Texts (2) − Actions (14) On May 1, 2025 in the Senate: - Regular Message Received From House - Passed 1st Reading - Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate On May 1, 2025 in the House: - Regular Message Sent To Senate On April 30, 2025 in the House: - Passed 2nd Reading - Passed 3rd Reading On April 28, 2025 in the House...
https://trackbill.com/bill/north-carolina-house-bill-575-the-hunter-robinson-act/2709504/
Bill Summary for H 575 (2025-2026) | Legislative Reporting Service
Amends GS 15A-1368(a)(5) by making the maximum imposed term for a prisoner serving consecutive prison terms the sum of all maximum terms imposed in the court judgment or judgments, less 60 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class B1 through Class E felonies for which the sentence was established pursuant to GS 15A-1340.17(f) (was, second or subsequent); 36 months (was, 12 months) for each of...
https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/billsum/h-575-2025-2026
Bill Summary for H 575 (2025-2026) | Legislative Reporting Service
Amends GS 15A-1368(a)(5) by making the maximum imposed term for a prisoner serving consecutive prison terms the sum of all maximum terms imposed in the court judgment or judgments, less 60 months for each of the second and subsequent sentences imposed for Class B1 through Class E felonies for which the sentence was established pursuant to GS 15A-1340.17(f) (was, second or subsequent); 36 months (was, 12 months) for each of...
https://lrs.sog.unc.edu/billsum/h-575-2025-2026
New North Carolina Law Allows Sentencing Flexibility in Non-Violent Offenses
WE FIGHT TO WIN! New North Carolina Law Allows Sentencing Flexibility in Non-Violent Offenses In October 2019, the North Carolina Senate passed legislation titled the First Step Act. The law allows North Carolina judges to use more flexibility in mandatory minimum sentences for certain types of drug-related offenses.
https://www.arnoldsmithlaw.com/new-north-carolina-law-allows-sentencing-flexibility-in-non.html
New North Carolina Law Allows Sentencing Flexibility in Non-Violent Offenses
WE FIGHT TO WIN! New North Carolina Law Allows Sentencing Flexibility in Non-Violent Offenses In October 2019, the North Carolina Senate passed legislation titled the First Step Act. The law allows North Carolina judges to use more flexibility in mandatory minimum sentences for certain types of drug-related offenses.
https://www.arnoldsmithlaw.com/new-north-carolina-law-allows-sentencing-flexibility-in-non.html
North Carolina Background Checks: A Complete Guide [2026]
The pre-employment screening process plays a critical role in how your North Carolina business hires qualified and responsible employees, protects your reputation, complies with NC state and federal laws, maintains a safe working environment, and serves your clients. Following up with references and searching a candidate’s name online is not sufficient to avoid hiring pitfalls, including liability for negligence in hiring.
https://iprospectcheck.com/north-carolina-background-checks/![North Carolina Background Checks: A Complete Guide [2026]](screenshots/north_carolina_criminal_offenders_19.jpg)
North Carolina Background Checks: A Complete Guide [2026]
The pre-employment screening process plays a critical role in how your North Carolina business hires qualified and responsible employees, protects your reputation, complies with NC state and federal laws, maintains a safe working environment, and serves your clients. Following up with references and searching a candidate’s name online is not sufficient to avoid hiring pitfalls, including liability for negligence in hiring.
https://iprospectcheck.com/north-carolina-background-checks/