{"id":371315,"date":"2024-10-29T15:33:46","date_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:33:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-drug-possession-laws.html"},"modified":"2024-10-29T15:37:26","modified_gmt":"2024-10-29T20:37:26","slug":"alabama-drug-possession-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-drug-possession-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Drug Possession Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 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 Drug Possession 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                            October 29, 2024\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-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p>In Alabama, unlawfully possessing controlled substances like heroin or methamphetamine can result in years of jail time and hefty criminal fines. Similarly, possessing prescription medications without a valid prescription can result in felony or misdemeanor charges.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n<p>Like most states, Alabama criminalizes the unlawful possession of controlled substances. However, possessing a valid prescription for a controlled substance is generally a defense to prosecution.<\/p>\r\n<p>The state of Alabama classifies controlled substances into five different schedules. Generally speaking, the more danger of abuse and dependence that a drug presents, the more severe the criminal penalties are for unlawfully possessing it. These factors, along with a drug\u2019s accepted medical uses in the United States (if any), also determine the schedule into which a state classifies a drug.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article overviews Alabama\u2019s drug possession laws. It begins with a brief overview of Alabama\u2019s controlled substances classifications. It provides a chart that summarizes the state\u2019s laws and criminal penalties for the illegal possession of controlled substances. It concludes with a list of related resources you may find helpful as you continue researching state drug laws.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Alabama\u2019s Controlled Substances Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Alabama\u2019s drug schedules include illegal drugs and prescription drugs. As noted above, you can face criminal penalties for possessing illegal drugs. However, possessing a controlled substance for which you have a valid prescription is perfectly legal.<\/p>\r\n<p>Examples of drugs in each of Alabama\u2019s schedules include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><b>Schedule I:<\/b> DMT, heroin, LSD, marijuana (\u201cmarihuana\u201d), psilocybin, and over 50 different types of opiates and opioids<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Schedule II:<\/b> Cocaine, Fentanyl, methadone, and all opiates and opioids not otherwise classified<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Schedule III:<\/b> Amphetamines, methamphetamine, PCP, and mixtures containing small amounts of codeine<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Schedule IV:<\/b> Various depressants like barbital and paraldehyde<\/li>\r\n<li><b>Schedule V:<\/b> Mixtures containing small amounts of codeine, opium, among others<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Alabama Drug Possession Laws: Overview<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>The chart below contains a summary of Alabama\u2019s drug possession laws. For more information, visit the links in the chart or the Related Resources section below.<\/p>\r\n<table>\r\n<tbody><tr><th><p><b>Code Sections<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/alison.legislature.state.al.us\/code-of-alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Code of Alabama Title 13A Criminal Code, Chapter 12, Article 5, Division 2 &#8211; Drug Possession and Sale Offenses<\/a><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>AL Code \u00a7 13A-12-211 &#8211; Unlawful Distribution of Controlled Substances; Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance<\/li>\r\n<li>AL Code \u00a7 13A-12-212 &#8211; Unlawful Possession or Receipt of Controlled Substances<\/li>\r\n<li>AL Code \u00a7 13A-12-213 &#8211; Unlawful Possession of Marihuana in the First Degree<\/li>\r\n<li>AL Code \u00a7 13A-12-214 &#8211; Unlawful Possession of Marihuana in the Second Degree<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Code of Alabama Title 20, Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, Chapter 2, Article 2<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>AL Code \u00a7 20-12-20 et. seq &#8211; Controlled Substances Schedules I-V<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Unlawful Possession with Intent to Distribute<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who knowingly possesses any of the following quantities of controlled substances commits the crime of unlawful possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance (unless the law authorizes them to possess it):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of cocaine (or a mixture containing cocaine). (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(1))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than two grams, but less than four grams, of any mixture of morphine, opium, or their salts or isomers, including heroin or any mixture containing Fentanyl, synthetic controlled substance Fentanyl, or a fentanyl analogue. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(2))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine or any mixture containing it. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(3))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams of 5-methoxy-3, 4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or any mixture containing them. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(4))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of amphetamine or any mixture containing amphetamine or its salts, optical isomers, or salt of its optical isomers. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(5))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than eight grams, but less than 28 grams, of methamphetamine or any mixture containing it or its salts, optical isomers, or salts of its optical isomers. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(6))<\/li>\r\n<li>More than one-half of a gram, but less than one gram, of Fentanyl or a synthetic controlled substance Fentanyl analogue, as a single component. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(c)(7))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Unlawful possession with the intent to distribute a controlled substance is a Class B felony. (\u00a7 13A-12-211(d))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances (UPOCS)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who does any of the following commits the crime of the unlawful possession of a controlled substance (\u201cUPOCS\u201d):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>They possess a controlled substance listed in Schedules I through V (except as authorized). (\u00a7 13A-12-212(a)(1))<\/li>\r\n<li>They obtain a controlled substance listed in Schedules I through V (or a precursor to a controlled substance) through fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, subterfuge, altering a prescription or written order, concealing a material fact, or using a false name or address. (\u00a7 13A-12-212(a)(2))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>UPOCS in Alabama is a Class D felony. (\u00a7 13A-12-212(b))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (\u201cMarihuana\u201d) in the First Degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who does any of the following commits the crime of unlawful possession of marihuana in the first degree (unless otherwise authorized):<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>They possess marihuana for a reason other than personal use. (\u00a7 13A-12-213(a)(1))<\/li>\r\n<li>They possess marihuana for personal use after they were previously convicted of either the unlawful possession of marihuana in the second degree or unlawful possession of marihuana for personal use. (\u00a7 13A-12-213(a)(2))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A violation of \u00a7 13A-12-213(a)(1) is a Class C felony. A violation of \u00a7 13A-12-213(a)(2) is a Class D felony.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Unlawful Possession of Marijuana (\u201cMarihuana\u201d) in the Second Degree<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person who possesses marihuana only for their personal use commits the crime of unlawful possession of marihuana in the second degree (unless they were otherwise authorized to possess it). (\u00a7 13A-12-214(a))<\/p>\r\n<p>Unlawful possession of marihuana in the second degree is a Class A misdemeanor. (\u00a7 13A-12-214(b))<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th><p><b>Penalties<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>A person convicted of a Class B felony faces the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A mandatory minimum sentence of two years of imprisonment, up to 20 years (\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(2)), and<\/li>\r\n<li>A fine of up to $30,000. (\u00a7 13A-5-11(a)(2))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A person convicted of a Class C felony faces the following punishments:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A mandatory minimum prison sentence of one year and one day, up to 10 years (\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(3)), and<\/li>\r\n<li>A fine of up to $15,000. (\u00a7 13A-5-11(a)(3))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A person convicted of a Class D felony faces the following punishments:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>A mandatory minimum sentence of one year and one day of imprisonment, up to five years (\u00a7 13A-5-6(a)(4)), and<\/li>\r\n<li>A fine of up to $7,500. (\u00a7 13A-5-11(a)(4))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>A person convicted of a Class A misdemeanor faces the following punishments:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Up to one year of jail time (\u00a7 13A-5-7(a)(1)), and<\/li>\r\n<li>A fine of up to $6,000. (\u00a7 13A-5-12(a)(1))<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Note that a person who has prior convictions related to drug crimes may face more severe penalties than the ones noted above.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i>Note: State laws are subject to change through the actions of the state legislature, 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 visit the <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/alison.legislature.state.al.us\/code-of-alabama\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i>Code of Alabama<\/i><\/a><i> to verify the state laws you are researching are current.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Consult the list below for articles related to Alabama\u2019s drug crimes and more general information about drug offenses:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law.html\">Alabama Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-criminal-laws.html\">Alabama Criminal Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\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>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-cocaine-laws.html\">Alabama Cocaine Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-dui-laws.html#\">Alabama DUI Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-heroin-laws.html\">Alabama Heroin Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-marijuana-laws.html\">Alabama Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law.html\">Cannabis Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges.html\">Criminal Charges<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights.html\">Criminal Rights Law<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-charges.html\">Drug Charges<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-manufacturing-and-cultivation.html\">Drug Cultivation and Manufacturing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-penalties-and-sentencing.html\">Drug Possession Penalties and Sentencing<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-overview.html\">Drug Possession Overview<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-trafficking-distribution.html\">Drug Trafficking and Drug Distribution<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/legalblogs\/criminal-defense\/what-is-constructive-possession\/\">What is Constructive Possession?<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>Consider browsing FindLaw\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/criminal-laws\/marijuana-possession-laws-by-state.html\">Marijuana Possession Laws By State<\/a> article for a list of other states\u2019 drug laws.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Facing Drug Possession Charges? An Attorney Can Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If the state of Alabama has charged you with the unlawful possession of a controlled substance, you could likely use an attorney\u2019s help. All criminal defendants have a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-rights.html\">right to an attorney<\/a>, whether they can afford one or not. Contact an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Alabama criminal defense attorney<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/alabama\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drug crime lawyer <\/a>today for specific legal advice and defense strategies in your drug case.<\/p>\r\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          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