Members of the public may access available public information on the NCDAC website using the Offender Search function. For incarcerated offenders, the information will include a projected release date (PRD), which is the estimated date that someone will leave prison. The PRD is calculated based on the sentence, any pretrial credit awarded, any sentence credits already earned, and any credits expected to be earned. Because the projected release date is a dynamic calculation, it is subject to change. The PRD may change for many reasons, including but not limited to additional sentences, court orders, changes in earn levels, or disciplinary consequences. 

It is important to note that the sentencing court determines the sentence length, the amount of pretrial credit to be applied to a sentence, and whether multiple sentences are concurrent or consecutive. The court also imposes any applicable monetary obligations, such as fees, fines, or restitution. If you have questions about the court’s decisions regarding any of these issues, those questions should be directed to the clerk of court in the county of conviction. You may find additional information or obtain official court records at www.nccourts.gov.  

For legal questions related to a person’s conviction or sentence, you should consider consulting a qualified attorney who may be able to address specific legal issues. NCDAC does not provide legal guidance or advice to offenders or members of the public. 

Finally, please encourage incarcerated people to communicate with their case managers regarding specific sentencing questions. The case manager will address any questions and provide appropriate clarification as warranted. Because case managers prioritize direct services to offenders, members of the public should not contact case managers or other NCDAC staff on the incarcerated person’s behalf.