North Carolina Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for North Carolina. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed North Carolina attorney for advice specific to your situation.
North Carolina Quick Facts
- State Capital: Raleigh
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Decriminalized
- Felony Theft Threshold: $1,000+
- Murder SOL: None
North Carolina DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | 24 hours–2 years jail, $200–$4,000 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Second Offense DUI | 7 days–3 years, $2,000 fine, 4-year revocation (if within 7 years) |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 4th offense in 10 years |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
North Carolina uses a graduated punishment system with levels
North Carolina Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Decriminalized |
| Medical Program | No |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Class 3 misdemeanor: up to $200 fine (up to 0.5 oz) |
| Large Amount Penalty | Felony for larger amounts |
North Carolina decriminalized but has no medical program
North Carolina Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $1,000 |
| Felony Threshold | $1,000+ or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 120 days |
| Maximum Sentence | Up to 39 months (Class H felony) |
North Carolina theft classified in multiple felony classes
North Carolina Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | None |
| Misdemeanor | 2 years |
| Fraud | None |
| Theft | None |
| DUI / DWI | 2 years |
| Assault | None |
North Carolina has NO statute of limitations for felonies — they can be prosecuted at any time