NCJ Number
166577
Date Published
1996
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This report presents an analysis of sentences imposed on misdemeanor offenders in North Carolina under the State's Structured Sentencing during calendar year 1995.
Abstract
Topics addressed include the number of convictions by month, offense class and prior conviction level, demographic characteristics of offenders, type of punishments imposed and average minimum sentences, types of intermediate and community punishments imposed, and hours of community service imposed. Data show that 137,173 misdemeanor offenders were convicted under Structured Sentencing during calendar year 1995. The greatest number of misdemeanor convictions fell into Offense Class 1 and were classified in Prior Conviction Level I. Data show that 81 percent of all misdemeanor offenders were male; approximately 56 percent of offenders were under 30 years of age; and approximately 49 percent of all offenders were African-American. Of all misdemeanor offenders convicted under Structured Sentencing, 80 percent received a community punishment; 15 percent received an active punishment; and 5 percent received an intermediate punishment. Offenses against persons and offenses against property accounted for the highest percentage of offenders who received an active punishment. Drug offenses accounted for the lowest percentage of offenders who received an active punishment. Nine percent of all offenders received community service, and 18 percent of all offenders were ordered to pay restitution. 24 tables and appended description of intermediate and community punishments as well as the Misdemeanor Punishment Chart