What is the punishment for a class B felony in Alabama?
Asked by: Ruben Bode | Last update: December 17, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (75 votes)
Class B Felonies: Offenses in this class are to be punished by imprisonment for a period that should not be more than 20 years or less than 2 years. Any fine charged by the court for committing offenses in this class must also not exceed $30,000.
Can you get probation for a class B felony in Alabama?
Section 15-18-8 - Terms of confinement, etc.; probation (a) When a defendant is convicted of an offense, other than a sex offense involving a child as defined in Section 15-20A-4, that constitutes a Class A or Class B felony offense, and receives a sentence of 20 years or less, the judge presiding over the case may ...
Is a class B felony serious?
However, some states use lettered classification to subdivide the levels of crime further. A good example of this subdivision is class B felonies – which are some of the most serious crimes.
How long is jail time for class B felony?
A Class B felony carries a potential prison sentence of at least one year and up to 25 years, depending on the state. Examples of Class B felonies can include: Serious drug offenses. Some forms of assault.
Do first time felony offenders go to jail in Alabama?
In Alabama, a Class C felony carries with it a range of punishment from a year and a day to ten years in prison. If the person charged has no priors and depending on some other factors, it is unlikely that the person will be sentenced to prison.
Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act: Explained
How to avoid jail time for felony?
- #1: Negotiating plea bargains. Pleading out can be a strategic move. ...
- #2: Rehabilitation and counseling. ...
- #3: Character references. ...
- #4: Diversion programs. ...
- #5: Demonstrating remorse.
How long does a felony stay on your record in Alabama?
How Long Does a Felony Stay on Your Record in Alabama? Unless it is expunged, a felony record stays on the offender's record forever. Only a record that has been expunged will be erased from a criminal record.
Do all felony charges result in jail time?
However, it's a common misconception that all felonies automatically result in jail time. The truth is more nuanced. Under California law, judges possess considerable discretion in sentencing, allowing them to impose probation in certain cases instead of incarceration.
What is the most common felony?
By far, one of the most common felonies in the United States is drug crimes. Whether this is possession or trafficking, any time you are discovered with illegal, controlled substances, you will likely face a felony.
What is the average sentence for a felon?
The average felony sentence to incarceration (prison or jail) in state courts was about 3 years in 2006, compared to almost 5 years and 6 months in federal courts (table 1.6).
Which is worse Class A or B felony?
These classes include Class A, Class B, and Class C felonies. Some Class A felonies may have the death penalty or life imprisonment as a potential punishment. A Class B felony is a less severe crime with less severe punishment. A Class C felony has the least severe punishment.
What is the lowest class felony?
State by State Felony Offenses, Felony Classes, Charges & Penalties. As to federal felonies, Congress divided federal felonies into five categories: A, B, C, D, and E. Class E felonies are the lowest class federal felony.
What is a level 2 offense?
Level 2 offense means possession of 4 ounces or more, but less than 8 ounces, or distribution of one ounce or more, but less than 2 ounces, of a specified illegal drug.
What does felony B mean?
If a state has only three felony classifications, Class B or 2 would represent mid-level felonies. However, states that divide felonies into five or more classifications generally consider Class B or 2 felonies to be one of the more serious felony levels.
How often are felony charges reduced?
Regardless of the cause, around 25-30% of felony charges get dropped before trial, so there's a decent chance your case could get dismissed, too.
Does turning yourself in reduce your sentence?
There are so many things that factor into sentencing that there is no way to say “turning yourself in will cut off 2yrs or 60% of your sentence.” In general, in the US plea deals result in less harsh punishments because you are saving the state the time, money and uncertainty of a trial.
What degree felony is worse?
In criminal law, a first-degree offense is the worst felony. It's worse than a second-degree offense, which is worse than a third-degree offense, and so on. So the higher the degree, the lesser the crime.
Do you have to be sentenced to be a convicted felon?
The classification is based upon a crime's potential sentence, so a crime remains classified as a felony even if a defendant convicted of a felony receives a sentence of one year or less. Some individual states classify crimes by other factors, such as seriousness or context.
What are some less serious felonies?
Non-violent felonies can include: White collar crime, which includes fraud, tax crimes, bribery and/or counterfeiting; Property crime including embezzlement, theft, receipt of stolen goods, and/or arson; and/or. Drug and alcohol crimes including public intoxication, drug manufacturing and/or drug distribution.
How does a felony affect your life?
Under California law, a felony is a serious criminal offense that can result in imprisonment for more than one year. Felonies are considered more severe than misdemeanors and can have significant consequences, including loss of voting rights (while in prison), professional licenses, and the ability to own firearms.
Can a felony charge go away?
In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.
What do around 90% of felony convictions result from?
Around ninety percent of felony convictions result from plea bargains. A plea bargain is a negotiation between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a charge, often in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
What is a class B felony in Alabama?
Examples of Class B felony offenses include, manslaughter, unlawful distribution of drugs, assault 2nd degree, rape 2nd degree, domestic violence 2nd degree, theft of property 1st degree, and burglary 2nd degree.
Can you get probation for a felony in Alabama?
Except as provided in Section 32-5A-191, relating to ignition interlock requirements, the maximum probation period of a defendant guilty of a misdemeanor may not exceed two years, nor shall the maximum probation period of a defendant guilty of a felony exceed five years, except as provided in Section 13A-8-2.1.
Is a felony on your record for life?
A felony will stay on your record forever in California unless you choose to take action and get the conviction removed. This is called the “expungement process” and generally requires the help of a legal representative to get underway. Rather than the federal courts, state courts handle the expungement process.