NCJ Number
166578
Date Published
1997
Length
29 pages
Annotation
This report presents an analysis of sentences imposed on misdemeanor offenders in North Carolina under the State's Structured Sentencing during fiscal year 1995-96.
Abstract
Topics addressed include the number of convictions by month, offense class and prior conviction level, demographic characteristics of offenders, types of punishments imposed and average sentence lengths, types of intermediate and community punishments imposed, and hours of community service imposed. Data show that 151,877 misdemeanor offenders were convicted under Structured Sentencing during fiscal year 1995-96. The greatest number of misdemeanor convictions were in Offense Class 1 with Prior Conviction Level I. Data show that 80 percent of all misdemeanor offenders were male; approximately 55 percent were under 30 years of age; and nearly 48 percent were black. Of all misdemeanor offenders convicted under Structured Sentencing during the year, approximately 82 percent received a community punishment; nearly 15 percent received an active punishment; and approximately 3 percent received an intermediate punishment. Offenses against persons accounted for the highest percentage of offenders who received an active punishment. Approximately 9 percent of all offenders were ordered to perform community service, and nearly 20 percent of all offenders were ordered to pay restitution. 20 tables and appended descriptions of intermediate and community punishments and the Misdemeanor Punishment Chart