Alabama § 13A-5-42 - Guilty Plea; Burden of Proof Upon State; Waiver; Sentencing.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-5-42 — Guilty Plea; Burden of Proof Upon State; Waiver; Sentencing., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13A-5-42. Guilty Plea; Burden of Proof Upon State; Waiver; Sentencing.
A defendant who is indicted for a capital offense may plead guilty to it, but the state, only in cases where the death penalty is to be imposed, must prove the defendant’s guilt of the capital offense beyond a reasonable doubt to a jury. The guilty plea may be considered in determining whether the state has met that burden of proof. The guilty plea shall have the effect of waiving all non-jurisdictional defects in the proceeding resulting in the conviction except the sufficiency of the evidence. A defendant convicted of a capital offense after pleading guilty to it shall be sentenced according to the provisions of Section 13A-5-43(d).
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-5-42
What does Code of Alabama § 13A-5-42 cover?
Section 13A-5-42 ("Guilty Plea; Burden of Proof Upon State; Waiver; Sentencing.") 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-5-42?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-5-42" (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-5-42 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.