Alabama § 13A-10-196 - Possession, Distribution, Etc., of Hoax Device Represented as Destructive Device or Weapon.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-10-196 — Possession, Distribution, Etc., of Hoax Device Represented as Destructive Device or Weapon., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13A-10-196. Possession, Distribution, Etc., of Hoax Device Represented as Destructive Device or Weapon.
(a) It shall be unlawful for a person to manufacture, possess, transport, or distribute a hoax device or replica of a destructive device, detonator, or bacteriological or biological weapon with the intent to cause another to reasonably believe that the hoax device or replica of a destructive device or bacteriological or biological weapon is a destructive device, detonator, or bacteriological or biological weapon.
(b) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (a) shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. If the defendant is a corporation or other entity, the corporation or other entity shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000) nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000). The corporation or other entity may also be sentenced to perform not less than 1,000 hours of community service nor more than 5,000 hours of community service.
(c) It shall be unlawful for a person listed in subsection (a) to communicate or transmit to another that the hoax device or replica of a destructive device or detonator is a destructive device, detonator, or bacteriological or biological weapon with the intent to obtain the property of another person or to interfere with the ability of another person to carry on the ordinary course of business, trade, education, or government.
(d) A person convicted of a violation of subsection (c) shall be guilty of a Class C felony. If the defendant is a corporation or other entity, the corporation or other entity shall be fined not less than twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) nor more than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000). The corporation or other entity may also be sentenced to perform not less than 2,500 nor more than 7,500 hours of community service for each hoax device or replica of a destructive device, detonator, or bacteriological or biological weapon.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-10-196
What does Code of Alabama § 13A-10-196 cover?
Section 13A-10-196 ("Possession, Distribution, Etc., of Hoax Device Represented as Destructive Device or Weapon.") 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 § 13A-10-196?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-10-196" (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 § 13A-10-196 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.