Does the state have mandatory minimum sentences? Yes. Click here to learn more.
Does the state have a sentencing commission? Yes, created in 2000 by Act 2000-596. Click here for more information.
Does the state have sentencing guidelines? Yes, the “Initial Voluntary Sentencing Standards.”
If yes, are the sentencing guidelines voluntary/advisory or mandatory? Voluntary/advisory
Does the state have drug courts? Yes. Click here for the state's drug court information. Click here to learn more about who is eligible for the state's drug court programs.
Does the state have one or more safety valve/exceptions? Yes. Click here to learn more. To learn more about safety valves, read our factsheet, Safety Valves in a Nutshell.
Reports
From the Pew Center on the States and the Vera Institute of Justice:
Work in the States: Sentencing and Corrections in Alabama (2008)
Sentence and Corrections Reform in Alabama (2007)
Sentence and Corrections Profile: Alabama (2007)
Helpful links
Governor Robert Bentley
Alabama Department of Corrections
Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole
Alabama Executive Clemency (pardons and commutations): Handled by Board of Pardons and Parole
Alabama State Legislature
Alabama Court System
Alabama Drug Courts
Want help finding a lawyer in this state? Click here or contact the local association of criminal defense lawyers. You can learn more about how to work with an attorney by reading our answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to search this state’s laws? Click here
Want to find out how a bill becomes a law in this state? Click here
Want to find your state legislative representatives? Click here
Want to work on changing the laws in your state? Learn how through our Citizen Action Kit!
Sentencing/Criminal Justice Reform Groups in the State
Equal Justice Initiative of Alabama
VERA Institute of Justice
ACLU of Alabama
DISCLAIMER: FAMM does not endorse or support and is not affiliated with any of the attorneys, organizations, or sites listed on this page. FAMM cannot guarantee that the laws listed on its website or the content appearing on any of the links listed on this page are accurate or fully up-to-date. Laws change often, and before taking any action in reliance on the information presented on FAMM’s website or on the sites linked to on this page, you should always verify that the information is still accurate or talk with an attorney. If you feel you need legal advice, you should seek the help of an attorney in your state. FAMM cannot provide legal advice, representation, research, or referrals.