Can I find out what the punishment will be in advance? In some cases, the prosecutor and defendant agree on a sentence, which is included in the plea agreement.Have you been convicted of a felony in North Carolina? Learn how your felony's classification and your prior record level will influence your sentence. Know what to expect if you're arrested for the first time in North Carolina. North Carolina uses a sentencing scheme called Structured Sentencing. This provides judgees with guidelines for sentencing criminal offenders. A defendant must receive credit for all confinement "as a result of the charge that culminated in the sentence or the incident from which the charge arose." If you have a warrant or order for your arrest in North Carolina, it gives police and other law enforcement agents the authority to look for you and arrest you. After law enforcement finds probable cause, they will inform you of your Miranda Rights.