Book excerpt: This practical guide to North Carolina sentencing now includes all felony and misdemeanor sentencing grids from 1994 through 2014 as well as DWI sentencing grids from 1997 through 2014. Designed as a teaching tool, it also provides step-by-step guidance on using the grids in the sentencing process. The guide contains sections on: -felony sentencing; -misdemeanor sentencing; -DWI sentencing; -probationary sentences for felonies and misdemeanors; -drug trafficking; -additional issues such as fines, costs, restitution, and jail credit; -lists of commonly charged felonies and misdemeanors, sorted by offense class; and -appendixes covering aggravating and mitigating factors, crimes requiring sex offender registration, and more. New features in the 2016-2017 edition include: -a design for the felony sentencing grids that highlights grid cells where Advanced Supervised Release and Extraordinary Mitigation are possible; -an appendix listing the special sentencing rules for certain crimes, such as shoplifting, worthless checks, and habitual impaired driving; and -an expanded section on Work Release. The guide includes the new felony sentencing grid for offenses committed on or after October 1, 2013, the new misdemeanor grid for offenses committed on or after December 1, 2013, and the new DWI grid for offenses committed on or after October 1, 2013. The tables of offense classes have been updated to reflect changes made during the 2016 legislative session.