Classification of crimes
In Alabama law, classification of crimes is made according to their levels and degrees. Crimes are classified into minor to the most violent ones. If the severity of an offense is minimal, its classified as a minor crime, example of traffic offenses. The offender pays a penalty or may undergo incarceration. The seriousness of a crime is depicted by the classification level. However, jurisdiction affects majorly the offense classification. It is advisable that an individual convicted of violent crimes consult their attorneys immediately.
Sentences for felonies, misdemeanors, and violations
Crimes classified as felonies are those that involve killings, use of dangerous weapons, kidnapping as well as rape. In the Alabama law, a felony crime results into imprisonment for periods of more than twelve months, however, in some other states, this crime’s penalty is death or imprisonment accompanied with state penitentiary. The grand jury charges the felonies, the offenders are also denied voting rights in the national events, cannot serve in public office, or possess weapons, denied any form of public benefits, and cannot hold certain jobs.
The sentence for misdemeanor is incarceration for a maximum period of a year. The offender can be required to pay a fine where he calls for a monetary penalty or jail incarceration; a person may also forfeit his property. However, the long term implications of this crime are not very severe as the offenders still retain their voting rights. The personal also loses public office holding and revocation of professional licences.The grand jury rights are not available in this case especially where the offender is imprisoned for half a year.
Violations sentence is a fine imposed on the offender or jail incarceration for a period of three months.
Monetary fines for felonies, misdemeanors and violations in Alabama law
A felony monetary fine ranges from $20 to $50; this is imposed especially in the case where someone has drawn a bad check. The drawer is required to honor the checks face value within a period of one month and other fees as ruled by the court. This amount can reach $750 due to other additional charges. Felony possession charge is $ 5000. Misdemeanor charges are imprisonment for a period of one year and/or fines in monetary terms of $2000; this is mostly in cases where one is found in possession of drugs e.g. marijuana. In Alabama law, violations of the traffic rules lead to monetary fines of $100 where a first offence is convicted. Conviction of the second offense in the time frame of one year, leads to monetary fine of $200, where a third offense is committed, a fine of $500 is paid or a period of three months imprisonment or a combination of both. In 2006, cases that required appearance in the court were at a high of $500.
Circumstances under which deadly force may be used
Deadly force can be used where an individual believes that use of such force will prevent what he thinks is attempted stealing as well as damage to property at any level. The actor is required to take action to terminate this commission within good time. Force can be applied for personal defense or to avoid injury to the public where the initiator is aggressive.
Additional penalties according to Habitual Felony Offender Act
This Act provides that repetitive offenders be imprisoned for life with no parole. On the fourth commission of a felony, the offender will be classified in class A crimes list, the penalty here is 10-99 years imprisonment with parole. High costs of non-incarceration are also imposed.
