The state of Alabama classifies less serious crimes as misdemeanors or violations. Misdemeanors are further classified as Class A, B, or C, according to the seriousness of the crime. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious of misdemeanor charges. The least serious crimes are classified as “violations.”
Sentences for Misdemeanors
Someone convicted of a misdemeanor in Alabama will be sentenced to the county jail or to hard labor for the county. The length of the sentence depends on the classification of the offense:
- Class A misdemeanor: not more than one year
- Class B misdemeanor: not more than six months
- Class C misdemeanor: not more than three months
- Violation: not more than 30 days
The court may also impose a fine on someone convicted of a misdemeanor:
- Class A misdemeanor: not more than $6,000
- Class B misdemeanor: not more than $3,000
- Class C misdemeanor: not more than $500
- Violation: not more than $200
Instead of these amounts, the court also has the option of fining the offender up to twice the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim caused by the crime. For example, a trespasser who destroyed $300 worth of flowers in someone’s yard could be fined $600.
Common Misdemeanors
Here are a few examples of common misdemeanors in the state of Alabama.
Class A Misdemeanors
- Theft of property that’s worth less than $500
- Recklessly damaging a building by a fire or an explosion (third-degree arson)
- Illegal possession of food stamps worth less than $500
- Falsely using the term “registered interior designer” on a document
Class B Misdemeanors
- Fraudulently obtaining cable TV service
- Intentionally causing up to $500 of damage to property (third-degree criminal mischief)
- Operating a motorboat without complying with state safety regulations
Class C Misdemeanors
- Removing a shopping cart from store premises without permission
- Criminal littering
- Soliciting another person to commit a crime classified as a Class B misdemeanor
Getting Help
If you are charged with a misdemeanor in Alabama, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defense attorney will be familiar with how these cases are handled in the local court, and may be able to negotiate a lesser charge or minimize your fine or sentence if you are convicted.
