N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-1
Felonies and misdemeanors defined.
§ 14-1. Felonies and misdemeanors defined.
A felony is a crime which:
(1) Was a felony at common law;
(2) Is or may be punishable by death;
(3) Is or may be punishable by imprisonment in the State's prison; or
(4) Is denominated as a felony by statute.
Any other crime is a misdemeanor.