{"id":371312,"date":"2024-10-21T11:03:38","date_gmt":"2024-10-21T16:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-domestic-violence-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-01-29T13:08:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-29T18:08:03","slug":"alabama-domestic-violence-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-domestic-violence-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Domestic Violence Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Alabama Domestic Violence Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/laura-temme-esq\/\">Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            January 29, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <p>Domestic violence generally occurs when a person commits a crime against a household or family member. It can also occur in a dating relationship or between people who share a child in common. A conviction resulting from domestic violence charges in Alabama can lead to mandatory minimum terms of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in criminal fines.<\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Because of the close relationships involved in domestic violence cases, they often involve intense emotions that extend beyond the parties to a lawsuit. They can forever change a family or household\u2019s dynamic.<\/p>\n<p>If you have experienced domestic violence, help is available. If you&#8217;re able, contact local law enforcement. The following resources can also help:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/acadv.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> (1-800-650-6522)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> (1-800-799-SAFE (7233))<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also contact a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">domestic violence attorney in Alabama<\/a> for information about obtaining a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-protective-orders-laws.html\">restraining order<\/a> or other legal help.<\/p>\n<p>The state of Alabama has several laws defining the different degrees of domestic violence. This article provides an overview of Alabama\u2019s domestic violence laws and criminal penalties. For more general information, visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">Domestic Violence<\/a> section.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Alabama Domestic Violence Laws Overview<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>The chart below lists Alabama\u2019s domestic violence laws and criminal penalties.<\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody><tr><th><p>Code sections<\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/alison.legislature.state.al.us\/code-of-alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Code of Alabama Title 13A, Chapter Six, Article Seven<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-130 (Domestic violence &#8211; First degree)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-131 (Domestic violence &#8211; Second degree)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-132 (Domestic violence &#8211; Third degree)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-134 (Determination of predominant aggressor)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-137 (Interference with a domestic violence emergency call)<\/li>\n<li>\u00a7 13A-6-138 (Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Household or family members<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p>Alabama law considers the following people as household or family members:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A current or former spouse<\/li>\n<li>A parent or step-parent<\/li>\n<li>A child or stepchild<\/li>\n<li>A grandparent or step-grandparent<\/li>\n<li>A grandchild or step-grandchild<\/li>\n<li>Any person with whom the actor has a child in common<\/li>\n<li>A present household member<\/li>\n<li>A person who has or had a dating relationship with the actor<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>First-degree domestic violence<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p>A person who commits the following crimes against a household or family member is guilty of first-degree domestic violence:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First-degree assault<\/li>\n<li>Aggravated stalking<\/li>\n<li>First-degree burglary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>First-degree domestic violence is a Class A felony. Upon conviction, the defendant faces the following penalties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 years (up to life imprisonment), and<\/li>\n<li>Up to a $60,000 fine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, the following circumstances double the applicable minimum term of imprisonment:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If the defendant willfully violated a protection order<\/li>\n<li>The defendant committed the offense in the presence of a child under the age of 14 who is the victim\u2019s or defendant\u2019s child or stepchild, lives in one of their households, or was visiting one of their households.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Second-degree domestic violence<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p>A person who commits the following crimes against a household or family member is guilty of second-degree domestic violence:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Second-degree assault<\/li>\n<li>Intimidating a witness<\/li>\n<li>Stalking<\/li>\n<li>Second- or third-degree burglary<\/li>\n<li>First-degree criminal mischief<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Second-degree domestic violence is a Class B felony. Upon conviction, the defendant faces the following penalties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years, up to 20 years, and<\/li>\n<li>Up to a $30,000 fine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>However, if either of the following circumstances apply, the minimum prison time doubles:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A defendant willfully violates a protection order while committing second-degree domestic violence.<\/li>\n<li>The defendant committed the offense in the presence of a child under the age of 14 who is the victim\u2019s or defendant\u2019s child or stepchild, lives in one of their households, or was visiting one of their households.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Third-degree domestic violence<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p>A person who commits the following crimes against a household or family member is guilty of third-degree domestic violence:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Third-degree assault<\/li>\n<li>Menacing<\/li>\n<li>Reckless endangerment<\/li>\n<li>Criminal coercion<\/li>\n<li>Harassment<\/li>\n<li>Criminal surveillance<\/li>\n<li>Harassing communications<\/li>\n<li>Third-degree criminal trespass<\/li>\n<li>Second- or third-degree criminal mischief<\/li>\n<li>Third-degree arson<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Third-degree domestic violence is a Class A misdemeanor. If convicted, the defendant the following penalties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>First conviction: Up to one year of imprisonment and up to a $6,000 fine<\/li>\n<li>First conviction if the defendant violated a protection order: minimum term of imprisonment of 30 days.<\/li>\n<li>Second conviction: minimum term of imprisonment of 10 days in a city or county jail or a detention facility<\/li>\n<li>Third of subsequent conviction: Class C felony (at least one year in prison, up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $15,000)<\/li>\n<li>If the defendant has a previous conviction for first-degree domestic violence, second-degree domestic violence, domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, or a domestic violence conviction in another state: Class C felony (at least one year in prison, up to 10 years, and a fine of up to $15,000)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation<\/b><\/p>\n<\/th>\n<td><p>A person who commits the following crimes against a household or family member is guilty of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assault with intent to cause physical harm, or<\/li>\n<li>Menacing, and<\/li>\n<li>They commit (or attempt to commit) those crimes by strangulation or suffocation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation is a Class B felony. If convicted, the defendant faces the following penalties:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years, up to 20 years, and<\/li>\n<li>Up to a $30,000 fine<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n<p><i>Note: State laws often change through the passage of new legislation, higher court decisions, and other means. Contact an <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Alabama criminal defense attorney<\/i><\/a><i> or a <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>domestic violence lawyer<\/i><\/a><i> to learn how these rules might apply to your unique circumstances.<\/i><\/p>\n<h2><b>Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Visit the links below for more information about Alabama law and domestic violence generally:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law.html\">Alabama Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-civil-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\">Alabama Civil Statute of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-protective-orders-laws.html\">Alabama Protective Orders Laws<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-custody.html\">Child Custody Law<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-legal-help\/criminal-defense-strategies.html\">Criminal Defense Strategies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/domestic-violence.html\">Domestic Violence Laws<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/law-and-life\/restraining-order-basics\/\">Restraining Order Basics<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-law-basics\/self-defense-overview.html\">Self-Defense Laws Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/eforms.alacourt.gov\/civil-forms\/protection-from-abuse\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Petition for Protection From Abuse<\/a>&nbsp;(Alabama Administrative Office of Courts)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can also visit FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/family-laws\/domestic-violence.html\">State Domestic Violence Laws<\/a> article for information on other states\u2019 laws.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Questions About Domestic Violence Crimes? Contact an Attorney<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>If you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Contact law enforcement if you\u2019ve experienced domestic abuse. You can also contact the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehotline.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or the <a href=\"https:\/\/acadv.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama Domestic Violence Hotline<\/a> at 1-800-650-6522. In addition, you can contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/domestic-violence\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama domestic violence attorney<\/a> for legal advice and information about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-protective-orders-laws.html\">obtaining a protective order<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If law enforcement has arrested you for a domestic violence offense, contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama criminal defense attorney<\/a>. A conviction for a domestic violence crime can lead to jail time and thousands of dollars in fines. An experienced attorney can provide specific legal advice that could make a significant difference in your criminal case. Contact one today to get started on your defense strategy.<\/p>\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n                 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