Alabama § 13A-4-3 - Criminal Conspiracy Generally.

Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-4-3 — Criminal Conspiracy Generally., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 13A-4-3. Criminal Conspiracy Generally.

(a) A person is guilty of criminal conspiracy if, with the intent that conduct constituting an offense be performed, he or she agrees with one or more persons to engage in or cause the performance of the conduct, and any one or more of the persons does an overt act to effect an objective of the agreement.

(b) If a person knows or should know that one with whom he or she agrees has in turn agreed or will agree with another to effect the same criminal objective, he or she shall be deemed to have agreed with the other person, whether or not he or she knows the other’s identity.

(c) A person is not liable under this section if, under circumstances manifesting a voluntary and complete renunciation of his criminal purpose, he or she gave a timely and adequate warning to law enforcement authorities or made a substantial effort to prevent the enforcement of the criminal conduct contemplated by the conspiracy. Renunciation by one conspirator, however, does not affect the liability of another conspirator who does not join in the abandonment of the conspiratorial objective. The burden of injecting the issue of renunciation is on the defendant, but this does not shift the burden of proof.

(d) None of the following is a defense to a prosecution for criminal conspiracy:

(1) The person, or persons, with whom defendant is alleged to have conspired has been acquitted, has not been prosecuted or convicted, has been convicted of a different offense, or is immune from prosecution.

(2) The person, or persons, with whom defendant conspired could not be guilty of the conspiracy or the object crime because of lack of mental responsibility or culpability, or other legal incapacity or defense.

(3) The defendant belongs to a class of persons who by definition are legally incapable in an individual capacity of committing the offense that is the object of the conspiracy.

(e) A conspirator is not liable under this section if, had the criminal conduct contemplated by the conspiracy actually been performed, he or she would be immune from liability under the law defining the offense or as an accomplice under Section 13A-2-24.

(f) Liability as accomplice. Accomplice liability for offenses committed in furtherance of a conspiracy is to be determined as provided in Section 13A-2-23.

(g) Criminal conspiracy is a:

(1) Class A felony if an object of the conspiracy is murder.

(2) Class B felony if an object of the conspiracy is a Class A felony.

(3) Class C felony if an object of the conspiracy is a Class B felony.

(4) Class D felony if an object of the conspiracy is a Class C felony.

(5) Class A misdemeanor if an object of the conspiracy is a Class D felony.

(6) Class B misdemeanor if an object of the conspiracy is a Class A misdemeanor.

(7) Class C misdemeanor if an object of the conspiracy is a Class B misdemeanor.

(8) Violation if an object of the conspiracy is a Class C misdemeanor.

Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-4-3

What does Code of Alabama § 13A-4-3 cover?

Section 13A-4-3 ("Criminal Conspiracy Generally.") 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-4-3?

A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-4-3" (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-4-3 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.