Alabama
Alabama Assault Laws: Degrees, Menacing, Felonies and Penalties
Independently fact-checked against primary sources (last audited October 14, 2026). · 24 primary sources cited on this page. How we verify our legal content
Alabama's assault and domestic violence statutes (Ala. Code 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-30, 13A-6-130 to 13A-6-132 and 13A-6-138) do not create a crime called battery. The Alabama Criminal Code grades the act of causing physical injury as assault in the first, second or third degree (13A-6-20 to 13A-6-22), and it treats putting someone in fear of imminent serious physical injury by physical action, without injury, as the separate Class B misdemeanor of menacing (13A-6-23). Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor; second and first degree are felonies. For other states, see our guide to assault and battery laws by state.
Information last verified on 2026-10-13. This article has not been reviewed by a licensed lawyer.
Jurisdiction scope: This article covers Alabama's assault, menacing and reckless endangerment offenses (Ala. Code 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-24), criminal use of a defense spray (13A-6-27), chemical endangerment of a first responder (13A-6-30), the domestic violence offenses built on them (13A-6-130 to 13A-6-132 and 13A-6-138), assault of a sports official (13A-11-144), the definitions in 13A-1-2, the sentencing and fine ranges in 13A-5-6, 13A-5-7, 13A-5-11 and 13A-5-12, the habitual felony offender rules in 13A-5-9, and the civil filing period in 6-2-34 and 6-2-8. It does not cover self-defense and justification (see Alabama self-defense laws), protection orders (see Alabama restraining order laws), sexual offenses, federal assault crimes (see the assault and battery hub) or city ordinances.
Assault vs. battery in Alabama
Many states use "assault" for a threat and "battery" for a harmful touching. Alabama's Criminal Code uses different labels. None of the sections that define Alabama's assault and domestic violence crimes (13A-6-20 through 13A-6-30, 13A-6-130 through 13A-6-132, and 13A-6-138) or the sports-official statute (13A-11-144) creates an offense named battery. The word survives in civil law: the limitations statute for lawsuits still speaks of "assault and battery" (6-2-34).
Instead, Alabama splits the ground this way:
- Causing physical injury is assault, graded by intent, the harm done and the means used. Ala. Code 13A-6-22(a) makes it assault in the third degree when a person "(1) With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes physical injury to any person; or (2) He recklessly causes physical injury to another person; or (3) With criminal negligence he causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument; or (4) With intent to prevent a peace officer from performing a lawful duty, he causes physical injury to any person."
- A threat without injury can be menacing. Under 13A-6-23(a), "A person commits the crime of menacing if, by physical action, he intentionally places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury."
- Creating a risk of serious injury can be reckless endangerment (13A-6-24), even if no one is hurt.
Alabama assault charges and penalties
| Offense | Statute | What it covers | Class | Statutory penalty range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Menacing | 13A-6-23 | By physical action, intentionally placing or attempting to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury | Class B misdemeanor | Up to 6 months in jail; fine up to $3,000 |
| Assault, third degree | 13A-6-22 | Intentionally or recklessly causing physical injury; causing physical injury with criminal negligence by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; causing physical injury with intent to prevent a peace officer from performing a lawful duty | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail; fine up to $6,000 |
| Reckless endangerment (one individual) | 13A-6-24(a)(1) | Recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another individual | Class A misdemeanor | Up to 1 year in jail; fine up to $6,000 |
| Reckless endangerment (multiple individuals) | 13A-6-24(a)(2) | Recklessly engaging in conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to multiple individuals (since October 1, 2026) | Class C felony; Class B if a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is used | Class C: 1 year and 1 day to 10 years, fine up to $15,000; Class B: 2 to 20 years, fine up to $30,000 |
| Assault, second degree | 13A-6-21 | Causing serious physical injury with intent to do so; causing physical injury with intent by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; recklessly causing serious physical injury by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; intentionally injuring certain listed workers and others in the circumstances the statute names (see below) | Class C felony | 1 year and 1 day to 10 years; fine up to $15,000 |
| Assault, first degree | 13A-6-20 | Among other circumstances: causing serious physical injury with intent, by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument; seriously and permanently disfiguring or disabling with intent to do so; extreme-indifference recklessness creating a grave risk of death that causes serious physical injury; causing serious physical injury with a vehicle or vessel while driving under the influence | Class B felony | 2 to 20 years; fine up to $30,000 |
| Criminal use of a defense spray | 13A-6-27 | Using pepper spray or another defense spray against another person in the commission of a crime, or against a law enforcement officer performing official duties | Class C felony | 1 year and 1 day to 10 years; fine up to $15,000 |
| Chemical endangerment of a first responder | 13A-6-30 | Knowingly, recklessly or intentionally causing or permitting a first responder, coroner or deputy coroner performing duties to be exposed to, ingest, inhale or contact a Schedule I controlled substance or a listed chemical substance | Class C felony if it causes physical injury; Class B if it causes serious physical injury (which here includes ingestion, inhalation or contact with fentanyl); Class A if it results in the first responder's death | Class C: 1 year and 1 day to 10 years; Class B: 2 to 20 years; Class A: 10 to 99 years or life |
| Domestic violence, third degree | 13A-6-132 | Third-degree assault, menacing or another offense listed in the section, committed against a covered family, household or dating victim | Class A misdemeanor (first and second conviction); Class C felony on a third conviction or after certain prior domestic violence convictions | Misdemeanor: up to 1 year, fine up to $6,000, 10-day minimum on a second conviction, 30-day minimum if committed while willfully violating a protection order; felony: 1 year and 1 day to 10 years |
| Domestic violence, second degree | 13A-6-131 | Second-degree assault or another offense listed in the section, committed against a covered victim | Class B felony | 2 to 20 years; 6-month minimum for a second or subsequent conviction, doubled if a protection order was willfully violated or a covered child under 14 was present |
| Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation | 13A-6-138 | Assault with intent to cause physical harm, or menacing, by strangulation or suffocation (or an attempt), against a covered victim | Class B felony | 2 to 20 years; fine up to $30,000 |
| Domestic violence, first degree | 13A-6-130 | First-degree assault, aggravated stalking or first-degree burglary committed against a covered victim | Class A felony | 10 to 99 years or life; 1-year minimum for a second or subsequent conviction, doubled if a protection order was willfully violated or a covered child under 14 was present |
Prison and jail terms come from Ala. Code 13A-5-6(a) (felonies) and 13A-5-7(a) (misdemeanors); maximum fines come from 13A-5-11(a) and 13A-5-12(a), which also allow a fine of any amount "not exceeding double the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim caused by the commission of the offense." Felony terms are a definite sentence within the range, and the misdemeanor figures are maximums. These are the ranges for the offense itself; 13A-5-6(a)(5) and (a)(6) set higher minimums where a firearm or deadly weapon was used, and the Habitual Felony Offender Act (13A-5-9) sets higher ranges, up to life without parole, for some repeat felony convictions, both described below.
Alabama defines the line between the two categories by the authorized sentence: a felony is "An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment in excess of one year is authorized by this title," and a misdemeanor is "An offense for which a sentence to a term of imprisonment not in excess of one year may be imposed" (13A-1-2(8), (9)).
Definitions that decide the grade
Section 13A-1-2 supplies the definitions that most often separate third-degree assault from the felony degrees:
- Physical injury: "Impairment of physical condition or substantial pain."
- Serious physical injury: "Physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes serious and protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment of health, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ; or a penetrating gunshot wound inflicted by a firearm as defined in Section 13A-8-1." The gunshot-wound clause was added by Act 2022-401.
- Deadly weapon: "A firearm or anything manifestly designed, made, or adapted for the purposes of inflicting death or serious physical injury."
- Dangerous instrument: "Any instrument, article, or substance which, under the circumstances in which it is used, attempted to be used, or threatened to be used, is highly capable of causing death or serious physical injury. The term includes a 'vehicle,' as that term is defined in subdivision (15)."
The mental state matters as much as the injury. Causing physical injury with a deadly weapon through criminal negligence is third-degree assault, a misdemeanor (13A-6-22(a)(3)), while causing physical injury with intent by means of a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument is second-degree assault, a felony (13A-6-21(a)(2)).
The firearm and deadly weapon minimum
Ala. Code 13A-5-6(a)(6) sets a minimum sentence for some felonies: "For a Class B or C felony in which a firearm or deadly weapon was used or attempted to be used in the commission of the felony, or a Class B felony sex offense involving a child as defined in Section 15-20A-4, not less than 10 years." First-degree assault is a Class B felony and second-degree assault is a Class C felony. For a Class A felony, such as domestic violence in the first degree or first-degree assault of a sports official, 13A-5-6(a)(5) sets a minimum of 20 years where a firearm or deadly weapon was used or attempted to be used. Both provisions name a firearm or deadly weapon; neither mentions the broader term dangerous instrument.
Repeat felony offenders. Under the Habitual Felony Offender Act (13A-5-9), a person previously convicted of a Class A, B or C felony who then commits another is punished more severely. With one prior, a Class C felony is punished as a Class B, a Class B as a Class A, and a Class A by life or 15 to 99 years. With two priors, a Class C is punished as a Class A, a Class B by life or 15 to 99 years, and a Class A by life or not less than 99 years. With three priors, a Class C brings life or 15 to 99 years, a Class B life or not less than 20 years, and a Class A life or life without parole, which is mandatory if any prior was a Class A felony. Since October 1, 2026, Act 2026-496 provides in 13A-5-9(f) that a conviction from Alabama or another state counts, and that a nolo contendere, no contest, best interests or Alford plea is treated like a guilty plea unless it has been expunged.
Assaulting a police officer, teacher, nurse or other protected worker in Alabama
Second-degree assault under 13A-6-21(a) includes intentional injury to several groups, each on the conditions the statute states:
- Officers and first responders. Under (4)a., it is second-degree assault when, "With intent to prevent a peace officer, as defined in Section 36-21-60, a detention or correctional officer at any municipal or county jail or state penitentiary, emergency medical personnel, a utility worker, or a firefighter from performing a lawful duty, he or she intends to cause physical injury and he or she causes physical injury to any person." Causing physical injury with intent to prevent a peace officer's lawful duty, without that added intent to injure, is third-degree assault under 13A-6-22(a)(4). An off-duty peace officer working in approved uniform with the employing agency's approval is treated as performing a lawful duty (13A-6-21(a)(4)b.).
- Teachers and school employees. Subdivision (5) covers a person who, "With intent to cause physical injury to a teacher or to an employee of a public educational institution during or as a result of the performance of his or her duty," causes physical injury to any person.
- Health care and pharmacy workers. Subdivision (6) covers intentional injury to "a health care worker, including a nurse, physician, technician, or any other person employed by or practicing at a hospital" or the other listed settings, "during the course of or as a result of the performance of the duties" of that worker, and to "a pharmacist, pharmacy technician, pharmacy intern, pharmacy extern, or pharmacy cashier." It "shall apply to assaults on home health care workers while they are in a private residence" and "shall not apply to assaults by patients who are impaired by medication."
- Social workers. Subdivision (8) covers intentional injury to "a Department of Human Resources employee or any employee performing social work, as defined in Section 34-30-1, during or as a result of the performance of his or her duty."
- Letter carriers. Subdivision (9) covers intentional injury to "a letter carrier, as defined in Section 32-6-380, during or as a result of the performance of his or her duty."
- Children at school (since October 1, 2026). Subdivision (10), added by Act 2026-370, applies when a person, with intent to cause physical injury to a child located in an educational environment (both terms as defined in Section 16-22A-3), "(i) is at least 19 years of age; (ii) is not employed by or enrolled in the entity associated with the educational environment, as defined in Section 16-22A-3; and (iii) causes physical injury to any person."
Other subdivisions of 13A-6-21(a) cover further circumstances not summarized here; the statute's full text is on the Alabama Legislature's code site.
Elderly victims. Separately, intentionally abusing a person 60 or older and causing physical injury is elder abuse and neglect in the second degree, a Class B felony, and causing serious physical injury that way is elder abuse and neglect in the first degree, a Class A felony (13A-6-191, 13A-6-192, 13A-6-193).
Sports officials. A separate statute, 13A-11-144, raises the grade when "the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the assault is a result of the official performing his or her official duties." Assault of a sports official in the third degree is a Class C felony, in the second degree a Class B felony, and in the first degree a Class A felony.
Domestic violence offenses in Alabama
Alabama's domestic violence offenses attach to the underlying crime when the victim is in a covered relationship: "a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant" (13A-6-130(a)(1)). Each section adds that "a household member excludes non-romantic or non-intimate co-residents," and a dating relationship means a current or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature. Grandparents and grandchildren were added by Act 2023-494.
- Third degree (13A-6-132) builds on third-degree assault, menacing and other offenses the section lists. A first conviction is a Class A misdemeanor. A second conviction is a Class A misdemeanor with "a minimum term of imprisonment of 10 days in a city or county jail or detention facility without consideration for any reduction in time." A third or subsequent conviction is a Class C felony, and so is any conviction after a prior conviction for domestic violence in the first or second degree, domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, or "a domestic violence conviction or other substantially similar conviction from another state or jurisdiction." Municipal court convictions count toward the number of prior convictions (13A-6-132(f)). A third-degree conviction carries a 30-day minimum if the person committed it while willfully violating a protection order (13A-6-132(b)).
- Second degree (13A-6-131) builds on second-degree assault and other listed offenses. It is a Class B felony, with a six-month minimum "without consideration of probation, parole, good time credits, or any reduction in time for any second or subsequent conviction."
- First degree (13A-6-130) applies to first-degree assault, aggravated stalking or first-degree burglary against a covered victim. It is a Class A felony, with a one-year minimum for a second or subsequent conviction. The first- and second-degree minimums double when the person willfully violates a protection order in committing the offense, or the offense is committed in the presence of a child under 14 who is the victim's or defendant's child or step-child or resides in or is visiting the household (13A-6-130(c), 13A-6-131(c)).
- Strangulation or suffocation (13A-6-138) is a Class B felony when a person "commits an assault with intent to cause physical harm or commits the crime of menacing pursuant to Section 13A-6-23, by strangulation or suffocation or attempted strangulation or suffocation" against a covered victim. Strangulation means "Intentionally causing asphyxia by closure or compression of the blood vessels or air passages of the neck as a result of external pressure on the neck."
Federal law, 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9), separately makes it unlawful for a person convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence to possess a firearm or ammunition in or affecting commerce; the assault and battery hub explains that rule. Protection orders are covered in Alabama restraining order laws.
Recent changes to Alabama assault law
| Act | Section | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Act 2022-401 | 13A-1-2 | Added "a penetrating gunshot wound inflicted by a firearm" to the definition of serious physical injury |
| Act 2022-416 | 13A-6-21 | Added pharmacy staff and home health care workers in a private residence to second-degree assault |
| Act 2023-494 | 13A-6-130 to 13A-6-138 | Added grandparents, step-grandparents, grandchildren and step-grandchildren to the domestic violence relationships |
| Act 2023-486 | 13A-6-30 | Created chemical endangerment of a first responder |
| Act 2024-91 | 13A-6-21 | Added letter carriers to second-degree assault |
| Act 2026-370 | 13A-6-21 | Second-degree assault for an adult outsider who injures a child in an educational environment (effective October 1, 2026) |
| Act 2026-401 (the Amy Dicks Act) | 13A-6-24 | Reckless endangerment of multiple individuals became a Class C felony, or Class B with a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument (effective October 1, 2026) |
| Act 2026-496 | 13A-5-9 | Habitual felony offender priors include convictions from other states and nolo contendere, no contest, best interests and Alford pleas unless expunged (effective October 1, 2026) |
Civil lawsuits for assault and battery in Alabama
A criminal case and a civil lawsuit are separate. The State prosecutes the crime; a person who was injured can sue for money damages, and the result in one case does not decide the other.
Alabama's general limitations statute still uses the old common-law name. Ala. Code 6-2-34 provides: "The following must be commenced within six years: (1) Actions for any trespass to person or liberty, such as false imprisonment or assault and battery." Under Ala. Code 6-2-8, a person who was under 19 or insane when the claim arose has three years after that disability ends to sue, but not more than 20 years after the claim arose; if the injury arises from a sex offense described in Section 15-20A-5, the person has six years after the disability ends. Other sections can affect the deadline; see Alabama statute of limitations for the broader rules.
Related legal issues
Whether force was legally justified is a separate question under Alabama's justification statutes; see Alabama self-defense laws. The rules for clearing a criminal record are in Alabama expungement laws.
Related
- Assault and battery laws by state
- Alabama self-defense laws
- Alabama restraining order laws
- Alabama expungement laws
- Alabama statute of limitations
- Georgia assault and battery laws
- Mississippi assault and battery laws
This article provides general legal information about Alabama assault laws, not legal advice. Laws change, and how they apply depends on the facts. For advice about a specific situation, contact a lawyer licensed in Alabama.
Last updated: 2026-10-13.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a battery charge in Alabama?
Not under that name in Alabama's assault and domestic violence statutes (13A-6-20 to 13A-6-30, 13A-6-130 to 13A-6-132 and 13A-6-138). Causing physical injury to another person is charged as assault in the first, second or third degree under Ala. Code 13A-6-20 to 13A-6-22, and intentionally placing someone in fear of imminent serious physical injury by physical action, without injury, can be the misdemeanor of menacing under 13A-6-23.
Is assault a felony in Alabama?
Third-degree assault is a Class A misdemeanor. Second-degree assault (13A-6-21) is a Class C felony and first-degree assault (13A-6-20) is a Class B felony. Assault of a sports official performing official duties, when the assault is a result of the official performing those duties, is a felony at every degree under 13A-11-144.
What is the penalty for third-degree assault in Alabama?
Assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail (13A-5-7) and a fine of up to $6,000 (13A-5-12).
What happens if you assault a police officer in Alabama?
Causing physical injury with intent to prevent a peace officer from performing a lawful duty is third-degree assault, a Class A misdemeanor (13A-6-22(a)(4)). If the person also intends to cause physical injury, the conduct falls under 13A-6-21(a)(4)a., second-degree assault, a Class C felony, which also covers detention or correctional officers, emergency medical personnel, utility workers and firefighters.
Is assaulting a teacher or nurse a felony in Alabama?
Intentionally causing physical injury to a teacher or public educational employee during or as a result of the performance of duty, or to a health care worker such as a nurse during the course of or as a result of the performance of the worker's duties, is second-degree assault, a Class C felony (13A-6-21(a)(5), (6)). The health care subdivision does not apply to assaults by patients who are impaired by medication.
Is choking someone a felony in Alabama?
When the victim is in a relationship listed in the statute, such as a spouse, a household member in a romantic or intimate relationship, or a dating partner, an assault with intent to cause physical harm or menacing by strangulation or suffocation, or an attempt, is domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation, a Class B felony under 13A-6-138.
How long do you have to sue for assault in Alabama?
Ala. Code 6-2-34(1) requires actions for any trespass to person or liberty, such as false imprisonment or assault and battery, to be commenced within six years. Under 6-2-8, a person under 19 or insane when the claim arose has three years after that disability ends (capped at 20 years after the claim arose), or six years after it ends for an injury from a sex offense described in 15-20A-5. Other sections can affect the deadline, so a lawyer licensed in Alabama can say how it applies to a specific claim.
Updates
Independently fact-checked against the cited primary sources
The Law Behind This Article
This article rests on the statutory provisions below, held in our own legal record and retrieved from the official source. Tap a section to read the operative text.
Code of Alabama 1975, Title 13A: Criminal Code.
§ 13A-6-22Assault in the Third Degree.In force
(a) A person commits the crime of assault in the third degree if: (1) With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he causes physical injury to any person; or (2) He recklessly causes physical injury to another person; or (3) With criminal negligence he causes physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument; or (4) With intent to prevent a peace officer from performing a lawful duty, he causes physical injury to any person. (b) Assault in the third degree is a Class A misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-21Assault in the Second Degree. (Amended by Act 2026-370)In forcecited in 2 of our articles
AMENDED BY ACT 2026-370, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026. SEE ACT FOR REVISED LANGUAGE. (a) A person commits the crime of assault in the second degree if the person does any of the following: (1) With intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, he or she causes serious physical injury to any person. (2) With intent to cause physical injury to another person, he or she causes physical injury to any person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument. (3) He or she recklessly causes serious physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument. (4)a. With intent to prevent a peace officer, as defined in Section 36-21-60, a detention or correctional officer at any municipal or county jail or state penitentiary, emergency medical personnel, a utility worker, or a firefighter from performing a lawful duty, he or she intends to cause physical injury and he or she causes physical injury to any person. b.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 32 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Stewart v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1981, 405 So. 2d 402)“…degree under any of the alternative categories listed under Ala. Code § 13A-6-21 (Supp. 1977). We, again, disagree with…”
- Ex Parte Cobb (Supreme Court of Alabama 1996, 703 So. 2d 871)“…nally inflicting serious physical injury on another person. Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-6-21(a)(1). This section does not mention th…”
- Brock v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1989, 555 So. 2d 285)“…d degree assault of officer Bettina Carter, in violation of Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-6-21 . The defendant was found guilty of the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Pepper Spray and Stun Gun Laws (2026)
§ 13A-6-20Assault in the First Degree.In force
(a) A person commits the crime of assault in the first degree if: (1) With intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, he or she causes serious physical injury to any person by means of a deadly weapon or a dangerous instrument; or (2) With intent to disfigure another person seriously and permanently, or to destroy, amputate, or disable permanently a member or organ of the body of another person, he or she causes such an injury to any person; or (3) Under circumstances manifesting extreme indifference to the value of human life, he or she recklessly engages in conduct which creates a grave risk of death to another person, and thereby causes serious physical injury to any person; or (4) In the course of and in furtherance of the commission or attempted commission of arson in the first degree, burglary in the first or second degree, escape in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, robbery in any degree, sodomy in the first degree or any other felony clearly dangerous to human life, or of immediate flight therefrom, he or she causes a serious physical injury to another person; or (5) While driving under the influence of alcohol…
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-23Menacing.In force
(a) A person commits the crime of menacing if, by physical action, he intentionally places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury. (b) Menacing is a Class B misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-24Reckless Endangerment. (Amended by Act 2026-401)In force
AMENDED BY ACT 2026-401, EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2026. SEE ACT FOR REVISED LANGUAGE. (a) A person commits the crime of reckless endangerment if he recklessly engages in conduct which creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person. (b) Reckless endangerment is a Class A misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-132Domestic Violence - Third Degree.In force
(a)(1) A person commits domestic violence in the third degree if the person commits the crime of assault in the third degree pursuant to Section 13A-6-22; the crime of menacing pursuant to Section 13A-6-23; the crime of reckless endangerment pursuant to Section 13A-6-24; the crime of criminal coercion pursuant to Section 13A-6-25; the crime of harassment pursuant to subsection (a) of Section 13A-11-8; the crime of criminal surveillance pursuant to Section 13A-11-32; the crime of harassing communications pursuant to subsection (b) of Section 13A-11-8; the crime of criminal trespass in the third degree pursuant to Section 13A-7-4; the crime of criminal mischief in the second or third degree pursuant to Sections 13A-7-22 and 13A-7-23; or the crime of arson in the third degree pursuant to Section 13A-7-43; and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-131Domestic Violence - Second Degree.In force
(a)(1) A person commits the crime of domestic violence in the second degree if the person commits the crime of assault in the second degree pursuant to Section 13A-6-21; the crime of intimidating a witness pursuant to Section 13A-10-123; the crime of stalking pursuant to Section 13A-6-90; the crime of burglary in the second or third degree pursuant to Sections 13A-7-6 and 13A-7-7; or the crime of criminal mischief in the first degree pursuant to Section 13A-7-21 and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant. (2) For the purposes of this section, a household member excludes non-romantic or non-intimate co-residents, and a dating relationship means a current or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement by either party.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-130Domestic Violence - First Degree.In force
(a)(1) A person commits the crime of domestic violence in the first degree if the person commits the crime of assault in the first degree pursuant to Section 13A-6-20; aggravated stalking pursuant to Section 13A-6-91; or burglary in the first degree pursuant to Section 13A-7-5 and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant. (2) For the purposes of this section, a household member excludes non-romantic or non-intimate co-residents, and a dating relationship means a current or former relationship of a romantic or intimate nature characterized by the expectation of affectionate or sexual involvement by either party. (b) Domestic violence in the first degree is a Class A felony, except that the defendant shall serve a minimum term of imprisonment of one year without consideration of probation, parole, good time credits, or any other reduction in time for any second or subsequent conviction under this subsection.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-6-138Domestic Violence by Strangulation or Suffocation.In force
(a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have the following meanings: (1) STRANGULATION. Intentionally causing asphyxia by closure or compression of the blood vessels or air passages of the neck as a result of external pressure on the neck. (2) SUFFOCATION. Intentionally causing asphyxia by depriving a person of air or by preventing a person from breathing through the inhalation of toxic gases or by blocking or obstructing the airway of a person, by any means other than by strangulation. (b) A person commits the crime of domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation if he or she commits an assault with intent to cause physical harm or commits the crime of menacing pursuant to Section 13A-6-23, by strangulation or suffocation or attempted strangulation or suffocation and the victim is a current or former spouse, parent, step-parent, child, step-child, grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild, step-grandchild, any person with whom the defendant has a child in common, a present household member, or a person who has or had a dating relationship with the defendant.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-11-144Harassment, Etc., of Sports Official.In force
(a) For purposes of this section, a “sports official” is a person at a sports event who enforces the rules of the event, such as an umpire or referee, or a person who supervises the participants, such as a coach. A “sports event” includes any interscholastic or intramural athletic activity in a primary, middle, junior high, or high school, college, or university, any organized athletic activity sponsored by a community, business, or nonprofit organization, any athletic activity that is a professional or semiprofessional event, and any other organized athletic activity in the state. (b) A person commits the crime of harassment of a sports official if he or she commits the crime of harassment as provided for by Section 13A-11-8, and the victim is a sports official performing official duties and the harassment is a result of the official performing his or her official duties. Harassment of a sports official is a Class B misdemeanor.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
§ 13A-1-2Definitions.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
Unless different meanings are expressly specified in subsequent provisions of this title, the following terms shall have the following meanings: (1) BOOBY TRAP. Any concealed or camouflaged device designed to cause bodily injury when triggered by any action of a person making contact with the device. This term includes guns, ammunition, or explosive devices attached to trip wires or other triggering mechanisms, sharpened stakes, nails, spikes, electrical devices, lines or wires with hooks attached, and devices for the production of toxic fumes or gases. (2) BURDEN OF INJECTING THE ISSUE. The term means that the defendant must offer some competent evidence relating to all matters subject to the burden, except that the defendant may rely upon evidence presented by the prosecution in meeting the burden. (3) CLANDESTINE LABORATORY OPERATION. Any of the following: a. Purchase or procurement of chemicals, supplies, equipment, or laboratory location for the unlawful manufacture of controlled substances. b. Transportation or arranging for the transportation of chemicals, supplies, or equipment for the unlawful manufacture of controlled substances. c.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 38 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2024
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Harris v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 2003, 873 So. 2d 1171)“…ceptible of producing death or serious injury.' Commentary, Ala.Code 1975, § 13A-1-2(11).[ [3] ] Included in that list are v…”
- Minshew v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1988, 542 So. 2d 307)“…commit "a crime." A crime is "[a] misdemeanor or a felony." Ala.Code 1975 § 13A-1-2(5). While we recognize that the Comment…”
- Webb v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1988, 539 So. 2d 343)“…year's duration." Ala. Code (1975), § 14-8-30. Compare Ala. Code §§ 13A-1-2(3) (offense punishable by less than one…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Knife Laws (2026): What Is Legal to Carry
§ 13A-5-6Sentences of Imprisonment for Felonies.In forcecited in 9 of our articles
(a) Sentences for felonies shall be for a definite term of imprisonment, which imprisonment includes hard labor, within the following limitations: (1) For a Class A felony, for life or not more than 99 years or less than 10 years. (2) For a Class B felony, not more than 20 years or less than two years. (3) For a Class C felony, not more than 10 years or less than one year and one day. (4) For a Class D felony, not more than five years or less than one year and one day. (5) For a Class A felony in which a firearm or deadly weapon was used or attempted to be used in the commission of the felony, or a Class A felony sex offense involving a child as defined in Section 15-20A-4, not less than 20 years. (6) For a Class B or C felony in which a firearm or deadly weapon was used or attempted to be used in the commission of the felony, or a Class B felony sex offense involving a child as defined in Section 15-20A-4, not less than 10 years. (b) The actual time of release within the limitations established by subsection (a) shall be determined under procedures established elsewhere by law.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 50 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Ex Parte McCree (Supreme Court of Alabama 1988, 554 So. 2d 336)“…ars in prison under Alabama's firearms enhancement statute (Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-5-6 (a)(5)). 1 FACTS Because the Cour…”
- Ex Parte Powell (Supreme Court of Alabama 2001, 796 So. 2d 434)“…ted the penalty phase of Powell's trial, in accordance with Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-5-6 . After hearing the evidence presented…”
- Ex Parte Farrell (Supreme Court of Alabama 1991, 591 So. 2d 444)“…ether the trial court erred by sentencing Janet pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, § 13A-5-6 (a)(4) instead of § 13A-5-6 (a)(1).…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama GPS Tracking Laws: Is It Legal to Put a Tracker on a Car? (2026), Alabama Hit and Run Laws: Penalties, Statutes, and Defenses, How Long Is a Life Sentence in Alabama? (2026 Guide)
§ 13A-5-7Sentences of Imprisonment for Misdemeanors and Violations.In forcecited in 5 of our articles
(a) Sentences for misdemeanors shall be a definite term of imprisonment in the county jail or to hard labor for the county, within the following limitations: (1) For a Class A misdemeanor, not more than one year. (2) For a Class B misdemeanor, not more than six months. (3) For a Class C misdemeanor, not more than three months. (b) Sentences for violations shall be for a definite term of imprisonment in the county jail, not to exceed 30 days.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2025
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Donley v. City of Mountain Brook (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1982, 429 So. 2d 603)“…against him is three months' imprisonment as provided under Ala. Code § 13A-5-7 (a)(3) (Supp. 1981). We disagree. Mo…”
- Shirah v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1989, 555 So. 2d 807)“…for a Class A misdemeanor is for "not more than one year." Ala. Code, § 13A-5-7 (1975). The appellant's sentence did n…”
- R.L.L. v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1990, 564 So. 2d 474)“…Such a conviction carries a sentence of up to six months. Ala.Code § 13A-5-7(a)(2) (1975). According to the appellan…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Audio Recording Laws: Consent Rules and Penalties, Alabama Phone Call Recording Laws: What You Need to Know, Alabama Age of Consent Laws: Statutes, Penalties and Reporting
§ 13A-5-11Fines for Felonies.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) A sentence to pay a fine for a felony shall be for a definite amount, fixed by the court, within the following limitations: (1) For a Class A felony, not more than $60,000; (2) For a Class B felony, not more than $30,000; (3) For a Class C felony, not more than $15,000; (4) For a Class D felony, not more than $7,500; or (5) Any amount not exceeding double the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim caused by the commission of the offense. (b) As used in this section, “gain” means the amount of money or the value of property derived from the commission of the crime, less the amount of money or the value of property returned to the victim of the crime or seized or surrendered to lawful authority prior to the time sentence is imposed. “Value” shall be determined by the standards established in subdivision (14) of Section 13A-8-1. (c) The court may conduct a hearing upon the issue of defendant’s gain or the victim’s loss from the crime according to procedures established by rule of court. (d) This section shall not apply if a higher fine is otherwise authorized by law for a specific crime.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 9 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2016
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Life Ins. Co. of Georgia v. Johnson (Supreme Court of Alabama 1997, 701 So. 2d 524)“…imprisonment or hard labor, in the discretion of the court. Ala. Code 1975, §§ 13A-5-11 , 13A-5-12 (a) (part of the Criminal C…”
- SOUTHERN LIFE AND HEALTH v. Turner (Supreme Court of Alabama 1991, 586 So. 2d 854)“…of the fine that could be imposed for insurance fraud under Ala. Code §§ 13A-5-11 and 13A-5-12(a) (1982), and §§ 27-1-12,…”
- Newberry v. State (Court of Criminal Appeals of Alabama 1985, 493 So. 2d 993)“…with either a felony offense or a misdemeanor offense. See Ala. Code §§ 13A-5-11 , 13A-5-12 (1975). While a look at the…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama AI Laws and Regulation (2026)
§ 13A-5-12Fines for Misdemeanors and Violations.In forcecited in 3 of our articles
(a) A sentence to pay a fine for a misdemeanor shall be for a definite amount, fixed by the court, within the following limitations: (1) For a Class A misdemeanor, not more than $6,000; (2) For a Class B misdemeanor, not more than $3,000; (3) For a Class C misdemeanor, not more than $500; or (4) Any amount not exceeding double the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim caused by the commission of the offense. (b) A sentence to pay a fine for a violation shall be for a definite amount, fixed by the court, not to exceed $200, or any amount not exceeding double the pecuniary gain to the defendant or loss to the victim caused by the commission of the offense. (c) As used in this section, “gain” means the amount of money or the value of property derived from the commission of the crime, less the amount of money or the value of property returned to the victim of the crime or seized or surrendered to lawful authority prior to the time sentence is imposed. “Value” shall be determined by the standards established in subdivision (14) of Section 13A-8-1.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Code of Alabama 1975, Title 6: Civil Practice.
§ 6-2-34Commencement of Actions - Six Years.In forcecited in 4 of our articles
The following must be commenced within six years: (1) Actions for any trespass to person or liberty, such as false imprisonment or assault and battery; (2) Actions for any trespass to real or personal property; (3) Actions for the detention or conversion of personal property; (4) Actions founded on promises in writing not under seal; (5) Actions for the recovery of money upon a loan, upon a stated or liquidated account or for arrears of rent due upon a parol demise; (6) Actions for the use and occupation of land; (7) Motions and other actions against the sureties of any sheriff, coroner, constable, or any public officer and actions against the sureties of executors, administrators, or guardians for any nonfeasance, misfeasance, or malfeasance, whatsoever, of their principal, the time to be computed from the act done or omitted by their principal which fixes the liability of the surety; (8) Motions and other actions against attorneys-at-law for failure to pay over money of their clients or for neglect or omission of duty; and (9) Actions upon any simple contract or speciality not specifically enumerated in this section.
Official text (excerpt) · last checked 2026-07-29 · Read the full text in our law library · Verify at alison.legislature.state.al.us
Cited in 129 court opinions in our collectionLatest citing opinion in our collection: 2026
Opinions citing this section in our collection:
- Turner v. Westhampton Court, L.L.C. (Supreme Court of Alabama 2004, 903 So. 2d 82)“…ations on a breach-of-express-warranty action is six years. Ala.Code 1975, § 6-2-34(9); the statute of limitations on a bre…”
- ROMAR DEV. v. Gulf View Management Corp. (Supreme Court of Alabama 1994, 644 So. 2d 462)“…ad. It also held that the counterclaim was *465 barred by Ala.Code 1975, § 6-2-34(9), the statute of limitations applicab…”
- Alabama Insurance Guaranty Ass'n v. Water Works & Sanitary Sewer Board of the City of Montgomery (Court of Civil Appeals of Alabama 2011, 93 So. 3d 88)“…ad one governed by a six-year statute of limitations (see Ala.Code 1975, § 6-2-34(5) 4 ) and that, regardless of which li…”
Identified automatically from the court opinions citing this section — not a ranking of which case controls.
Also relied on in: Alabama Statute of Limitations: Filing Deadlines by Case Type, Alabama Car Accident Laws: Fault, Insurance, and Your Claim, Alabama Debt Collection Laws: Wage Garnishment, Statute of Limitations, and Repossession
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Sources and References
- Ala. Code 13A-6-22, Assault in the third degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-23, Menacing(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-21, Assault in the second degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-20, Assault in the first degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-24, Reckless endangerment(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-11-144, Harassment, etc., of sports official(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-130, Domestic violence, first degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-131, Domestic violence, second degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-132, Domestic violence, third degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-138, Domestic violence by strangulation or suffocation(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-5-6, Sentences of imprisonment for felonies(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-5-7, Sentences of imprisonment for misdemeanors(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-5-11, Fines for felonies(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-5-12, Fines for misdemeanors(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-1-2, Definitions(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- 18 U.S.C. 922, Unlawful acts (firearms)(www.govinfo.gov).gov
- Ala. Code 6-2-34, Actions to be commenced within six years(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-27, Use of pepper spray, etc.(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-30, Chemical endangerment of a first responder(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-5-9, Habitual felony offenders, additional penalties(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 6-2-8, Suspension of limitation, disabilities(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-191, Elder abuse definitions(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-192, Elder abuse and neglect, first degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
- Ala. Code 13A-6-193, Elder abuse and neglect, second degree(alison.legislature.state.al.us).gov
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