I was arrested for arson in Alabama. What are the penalties?

Alabama classifies its felonies into three classes: Class A, B and C. Class A felonies include the most serious offenses that incur the most stringent penalties. Class C penalties include lesser charges and incur lesser penalties.

Alabama Felony Classifications

Class A Felonies

Penalties for Class A felonies include life imprisonment or not more than 99 years or less than 10 years along with a $60,000.00 fine.

Class B Felonies

Penalties for Class B felonies include imprisonment of not more than 20 years or less than 2 years as well as a $30,000.00 fine.

Class C Felonies

Penalties for Class C felonies include imprisonment of not more than 10 years or less than 1 year and 1 day and a $15,000.00 fine.

Except in cases of murder, rape, violence to individuals, sex offenses where the victims are under the age pf 16, arson, forgery, or drug trafficking, felony prosecutions in Alabama must be filed within three years following the the offense.

Alabama Felony Records Expungement

Alabama allows a felony record to be expunged only if the defendant received a full pardon for the crime.

If you have been charged with arson in Alabama, you may face Class A or Class B penalties depending on whether the arson is classified as first degree or second degree. If first degree, you may spend a substantial length of time in prison. Talk with an attorney as soon as possible to defend against possible prosecution and/or conviction.