In one of its final acts of the 2009 session, the NC House gave final approval to two Senate bills that together will significantly reduce prison sentences for felons.
SB 488 and SB 489 change the way sentences are calculated according to the “sentencing grid” which establishes a range for sentencing based on a convict’s prior record and class of felony committed.
Let’s take for example a person who has committed a minor crime before and has one record point who then commits first degree rape (B1 felony). Under the current sentencing structure that person would receive a sentence of 230-288 months. Under the new sentencing grid enacted by SB 488 and SB 489, that person would now receive a sentence of 192-240 months — basically shaving 3 years off the sentence of a rapist.
Most other sentences for prior felons are reduced as well.
The Senate approved SB 488 by a 23-22 vote and SB 489 24-22.
House approval was 61-52 on SB 488 and 61-53 on SB 489.
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