Felony in Alabama
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Alabama defines felonies as crimes punishable by imprisonment in state prison, typically for over one year.
How Alabama treats Felony
Alabama law generally follows the standard definition: a felony is any crime punishable by death or imprisonment in the state penitentiary. Misdemeanors, by contrast, are punishable only by county jail time (up to one year) or fines. Alabama also recognizes capital felonies, which carry potential death sentences for crimes like murder. The distinction between felony and misdemeanor determines sentencing venue and affects rights like voting and firearm possession.
The general definition of Felony
A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.
A felony is the most serious category of crime in the US criminal system. The key distinction is punishment: if a conviction can result in more than one year of imprisonment, it's a felony. Felonies include crimes like murder, rape, robbery, and drug trafficking. A felony conviction carries long-term consequences, including loss of voting rights, gun ownership restrictions, and difficulty finding employment.
Read the full Felony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.