Alabama Laws and Legal Penalties
Comprehensive legal reference for Alabama. Browse DUI laws, drug possession penalties, theft charges, statutes of limitations, and more. All information is sourced from public state statutes.
Note: This information is for general educational purposes only. Laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Alabama attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Alabama Quick Facts
- State Capital: Montgomery
- Region: South
- DUI BAC Limit: 0.08%
- Marijuana Status: Illegal
- Felony Theft Threshold: $500
- Murder SOL: None
Alabama DUI Laws
| Offense | Penalties |
|---|---|
| First Offense DUI | Up to 1 year jail, $600–$2,100 fine, 90-day license suspension |
| Second Offense DUI | Up to 1 year jail, $1,100–$5,100 fine, 1-year revocation |
| Felony DUI Threshold | 3rd offense |
| Legal BAC Limit | 0.08% |
Implied consent law; refusing a breathalyzer results in automatic license suspension
Alabama Marijuana Laws
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Illegal |
| Medical Program | No |
| Recreational Use | No |
| Small Amount Penalty | Class A misdemeanor: up to 1 year jail, $6,000 fine |
| Large Amount Penalty | Felony: 1–10 years, significant fines |
Alabama has strict marijuana laws with no recreational use
Alabama Theft Penalties
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor Threshold | Under $500 |
| Felony Threshold | $500 or more |
| Minimum Sentence | Up to 1 year (petty theft) |
| Maximum Sentence | 2–20 years (Class B felony for large amounts) |
Alabama classifies theft in degrees based on value
Alabama Statutes of Limitations
| Crime Type | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Murder | None |
| Rape / Sexual Assault | None |
| Felony (General) | 3 years |
| Misdemeanor | 1 year |
| Fraud | 6 years |
| Theft | 5 years |
| DUI / DWI | 5 years |
| Assault | 6 years |
Alabama has no statute of limitations for capital offenses