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. For example, the book incorporates new case law regarding the substantial similarity of out-of-state offenses for prior record level purposes. Other changes include the following:
- New sections on sentencing hearing procedures, including the special rules for sentencing first-degree murder when the defendant was under 18 years old at the time of the crime.
- Belal came up with a way to incorporate the grossly aggravating factors, aggravating factors, and mitigating factors into the DWI punishment chart itself for easier reference.
- A new mitigating factor in DWI sentencing, effective for offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025, and expanded discussion of grossly aggravating factors.
- The discussion of various monetary obligations is expanded.
- Appendix materials on offense classifications, sex offender registration, and the Crime Victims’ Rights Act are updated based on legislative changes since 2018.
- The new requirements for the court to make findings regarding consecutive and concurrent sentences that came into effect on December 1.
This edition benefited from the thoughtful feedback of John Madler, attorney for the North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission. The Commission’s many helpful resources are available online. Research attorneys Christopher Tyner and Caitlin Little provided a thorough review and helped us with legislative and case law updates. We are grateful to Melissa Twomey for her careful editing, and to Kit Sweeney and Kevin Justice for their work on the design and layout. And we of course thank Shea Denning for her prior co-authorship of the impaired driving sections.
Print copies of the book include a code and instructions for access to a free online version.
NC Judicial Branch employees may order print copies through the AOC’s Online Supply Store. Contact the Purchasing Services Division (purchasing@nccourts.org) with questions.
