{"id":371370,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-stalking-laws.html"},"modified":"2026-07-20T10:28:09","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T15:28:09","slug":"alabama-stalking-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-stalking-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Stalking Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alabama Stalking Laws<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, 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\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Stalking in Alabama<\/span> is intentionally and repeatedly harassing, following, or communicating with someone in a way that causes fear or emotional harm. Alabama<\/span> law recognizes four degrees of stalking charges<\/span>, ranging from Class B <\/span>misdemeanors<\/span> to Class B felonies<\/span>, with penalties including jail time and fines. The severity of charges depends on factors like threats made and whether a protective order<\/span> was violated.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Every state defines the crime of stalking<\/span> a bit differently. In general, stalking is engaging in repetitive behavior involving unwanted attention that makes the victim feel unsafe. Some state laws<\/span> require that the stalker intend to cause serious bodily harm<\/span> or death, while in others, a person may face stalking charges<\/span> for doing something as simple as following an ex-partner to work or school every day.<\/p>\n

In this article, we’ll explain how Alabama<\/span>‘s stalking laws work, including the penalties and defenses to stalking<\/a>. If you’re currently facing stalking charges<\/span>, contact a local criminal defense<\/span> lawyer<\/a> for help.<\/p>\n

The State of Alabama<\/span> Takes Stalking Seriously<\/h2>\n

Alabama<\/span> lawmakers have a history of treating stalking as a serious crime. In 1999, a Huntsville<\/span> nurse, Tracy Lynn Morris, was murdered by someone who had been stalking her for over two years.<\/p>\n

Before her murder, Alabama<\/span> had two levels of stalking: general stalking and aggravated stalking<\/span>. Morris’s story led to the passage of “Tracy’s Law<\/span><\/a>,” which increased the penalties for stalking in Alabama<\/span>. Today, Alabama<\/span>‘s criminal laws<\/span> recognize several levels of stalking that cover various harassing behaviors.<\/p>\n

How Alabama<\/span> Defines Stalking<\/h2>\n

Under the Alabama<\/span> Code<\/span>, stalking and aggravated stalking<\/span> are each broken down into two degrees. This means there are four different stalking charges<\/span> in Alabama<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Stalking in the first degree<\/span><\/strong> is defined as intentionally and repeatedly harassing<\/a> or following someone and making an expressed or implied threat while causing a reasonable fear of death<\/span> or serious physical harm in the victim. Charges can increase to aggravated stalking<\/span> in the first degree<\/span> if someone commits the above acts while violating a restraining order<\/span>, injunction, or protection order<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stalking in the second degree<\/span><\/strong> covers intentionally and repeatedly harassing, following, or communicating with another person (verbally or electronically) and causing mental or emotional harm or a reasonable fear that their career is in jeopardy, where the victim previously told the defendant to stop. Stalking in the second degree<\/span> can also lead to an enhanced charge if it involves violating a court order<\/span> or injunction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Potential Penalties<\/h2>\n

The penalties<\/a> for stalking in Alabama<\/span> are as follows:<\/p>\n