{"id":371303,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-23T10:27:00","modified_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:27:00","slug":"alabama-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n \n Alabama Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Alabama\u2019s criminal code (Title 13A) defines all acts, omissions, and conduct that constitute \u201ccriminal behavior\u201d in the state of Alabama.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Under the criminal code of Alabama, a criminal act must be intentional, knowing, or reckless (Ala. Code \u00a7 13A-2-2).<\/p>\r\n

How Are Crimes Classified in Alabama?<\/h2>\r\n

Alabama classifies criminal charges according to the seriousness of the crimes and potential penalties (\u00a7 13A-5-3).<\/p>\r\n

Felonies<\/b> are punishable by time in state prison. There are Class A, B, C, and D felonies.<\/p>\r\n

Misdemeanors<\/b> receive time in county jail or probation. There are three levels of misdemeanor.<\/p>\r\n

Violations<\/b> are a catch-all category of crimes punishable by no more than 30 days in jail (\u00a7 13A-1-2(16)).<\/p>\r\n

Repeat offenders for felonies and misdemeanors generally receive sentences for the next classification up. For example, a second offense for a Class C felony is punishable as a Class B felony (\u00a7 13A-5-9).<\/p>\r\n

Alabama Criminal Categories<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

The Alabama code<\/a> breaks crimes into categories according to the legal issue involved.<\/p>\r\n

Inchoate crimes<\/b> involve attempt, solicitation, and conspiracy (\u00a7 13A-4-1 et seq.). Solicitation is a felony or misdemeanor depending on the crime solicited. For instance, solicitation to commit murder is a Class A felony, even if the crime is never committed.<\/p>\r\n

Crimes involving danger to the person<\/b> are any crimes that may harm someone. In Alabama state law, they include sexual offenses as well as crimes of violence, including:<\/p>\r\n