NCJ Number
166575
Date Published
1996
Length
59 pages
Annotation
This report examines data on offenders in North Carolina convicted of felonies under the State's Structured Sentencing during fiscal year 1995-96.
Abstract
Topics addressed include the number of felony convictions by month, offense class and prior record level, demographic characteristics of offenders, types of punishments imposed, conformity of sentences, types of intermediate punishments imposed, and several special issues. Data show that 20,567 offenders were convicted of felonies under Structured Sentencing during fiscal year 1995-96. The greatest number of offenders were in Offense Class H and Prior Record Level I. Demographic data show that 87.5 percent of all offenders were male; 45 percent were under the age of 25 (over 25 percent of offenders were under the age of 21); and approximately 63 percent of all offenders were black. Approximately 28 percent of all felony offenders received an active punishment; approximately 46 percent received an intermediate punishment; and approximately 26 percent received a community punishment. Offenders convicted of a person offense were most likely to receive an active punishment and least likely to receive either an intermediate or community punishment. Offenders convicted of a property offense were most likely to receive an intermediate punishment. Offenders convicted of a drug offense (non-trafficking) were most likely to receive a community punishment and least likely to receive an active punishment. Data show that approximately 82 percent of all active sentences fell within the presumptive range; 9.5 percent were within the mitigated range; and 8.4 percent were within the aggravated range. 33 tables, appended map of judicial divisions and districts, descriptions of intermediate and community punishments, and the Felony Punishment Chart