Alabama Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences

The state of Alabama’s criminal laws differentiate between misdemeanor and criminal offenses. Misdemeanor offenses are considered less severe than felony offenses, and have potential penalties of no more than one year in jail.

For information on felony penalties, see Alabama Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences.

Alabama Misdemeanor Severity Levels

In addition to the general distinction between felony and misdemeanor offenses, Alabama also categorizes misdemeanors into three different classes: Class A, B, and C. Class A misdemeanors are the most serious category, while Class B and Class C are less serious.

Jail Sentence

Each misdemeanor category in Alabama has a maximum sentence associated with it. Whenever a person is convicted of a misdemeanor, that person faces a maximum sentence of either hard labor or imprisonment in a county jail.

  • Class A. Not more than one year.
  • Class B. Not more than six months.
  • Class C. Not more than three months.


In addition to jail sentences, an Alabama court can also sentence you to pay a fine if you are convicted of a misdemeanor offense, or order you to pay a fine instead of serving a jail sentence. Like jail sentences, the amount of the fine associated with each crime depends upon its class.

  • Class A. No more than $6,000.
  • Class B. No more than $3,000.
  • Class C. No more than $500, or no more than double the amount the victim lost or the defendant gained from the crime.


There are numerous misdemeanor crimes in Alabama. While the following list contains examples of crimes in each class, it is not exhaustive.

Class A

Class B

  • Unlawful assembly
  • Cruelty to animals
  • Open house party

Class C

Find a Lawyer

Even though misdemeanor offences often seem like they aren’t serious, you face significant potential penalties in Alabama if you are convicted of any crime, even a misdemeanor. You should always consult an experienced Alabama criminal defense lawyer if you have been charged with a crime, have been approached by the police as a target of an investigation, or need legal advice. Only a local attorney who has dealt with local law enforcement and prosecutors can give you advice about your case.

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