Alabama § 11-45-9 - Penalties Which May Be Imposed for Violations of Ordinances.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 11-45-9 — Penalties Which May Be Imposed for Violations of Ordinances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 11-45-9. Penalties Which May Be Imposed for Violations of Ordinances.
(a) Municipal ordinances may provide penalties of fines, imprisonment, hard labor, or one or more of such penalties for violation of ordinances.
(b) Except as otherwise provided in this section, no fine shall exceed five hundred dollars ($500), and no sentence of imprisonment or hard labor shall exceed six months.
(c) In the enforcement of the penalties prescribed in Section 32-5A-191, the fine shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) and the sentence of imprisonment or hard labor shall not exceed one year.
(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the maximum fine for every person either convicted for violating any of the following misdemeanor offenses adopted as a municipal ordinance violation or adjudicated as a youthful offender shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000):
(1) Criminal mischief in the second degree, Section 13A-7-22.
(2) Criminal mischief in the third degree, Section 13A-7-23.
(3) Theft of property in the third degree, Section 13A-8-5.
(4) Theft of lost property in the third degree, Section 13A-8-9.
(5) Theft of services in the third degree, Section 13A-8-10.3.
(6) Receiving stolen property in the third degree, Section 13A-8-19.
(7) Tampering with availability of gas, electricity, or water, Section 13A-8-23.
(8) Possession of traffic sign; notification; destruction, defacement, etc., of traffic sign or traffic control device; defacement of public building or property, Section 13A-8-71 and Section 13A-8-72.
(9) Offenses against intellectual property, Section 13A-8-102.
(10) Theft by fraudulent leasing or rental, Section 13A-8-140 through Section 13A-8-144.
(11) Charitable fraud in the third degree, Section 13A-9-75.
(12) Illegal possession of food stamps in the third degree, Section 13A-9-91.
(e) The penalty imposed upon a corporation shall consist of the fine only, plus costs of court.
(f) In the enforcement of a Class A misdemeanor, including a domestic violence offense, the fine may not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) and the sentence of imprisonment may not exceed one year.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 11-45-9
What does Code of Alabama § 11-45-9 cover?
Section 11-45-9 ("Penalties Which May Be Imposed for Violations of Ordinances.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 11-45-9?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 11-45-9" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 11-45-9 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.