Alabama § 13A-5-9 - Habitual Felony Offenders - Additional Penalties.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 13A-5-9 — Habitual Felony Offenders - Additional Penalties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 13A-5-9. Habitual Felony Offenders - Additional Penalties.
(a) In all cases when it is shown that a criminal defendant has been previously convicted of a Class A, Class B, or Class C felony and after the conviction has committed another Class A, Class B, or Class C felony, he or she must be punished as follows:
(1) On conviction of a Class C felony, he or she must be punished for a Class B felony.
(2) On conviction of a Class B felony, he or she must be punished for a Class A felony.
(3) On conviction of a Class A felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years but not less than 15 years.
(b) In all cases when it is shown that a criminal defendant has been previously convicted of any two felonies that are Class A, Class B, or Class C felonies and after such convictions has committed another Class A, Class B, or Class C felony, he or she must be punished as follows:
(1) On conviction of a Class C felony, he or she must be punished for a Class A felony.
(2) On conviction of a Class B felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years but not less than 15 years.
(3) On conviction of a Class A felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or for any term of not less than 99 years.
(c) In all cases when it is shown that a criminal defendant has been previously convicted of any three felonies that are Class A, Class B, or Class C felonies and after such convictions has committed another Class A, Class B, or Class C felony, he or she must be punished as follows:
(1) On conviction of a Class C felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or for any term of not more than 99 years but not less than 15 years.
(2) On conviction of a Class B felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or for any term of not less than 20 years.
(3) On conviction of a Class A felony, where the defendant has no prior convictions for any Class A felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life or life without the possibility of parole, in the discretion of the trial court.
(4) On conviction of a Class A felony, where the defendant has one or more prior convictions for any Class A felony, he or she must be punished by imprisonment for life without the possibility of parole.
(d) In all cases when it is shown that a criminal defendant has been previously convicted of any two or more felonies that are Class A or Class B felonies and after such convictions has committed a Class D felony, upon conviction, he or she must be punished for a Class C felony.
(e) In all cases when it is shown that a criminal defendant has been previously convicted of any three or more felonies and after such convictions has committed a Class D felony, upon conviction, he or she must be punished for a Class C felony.
(f) For purposes of this section, “convicted” includes any conviction from this state or out of this state, and a conviction based on a plea of nolo contendere, a plea of no contest, a best interests plea, or an Alford plea shall be treated in the same manner as a conviction based on a plea of guilty unless any of the foregoing pleas has been expunged.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 13A-5-9
What does Code of Alabama § 13A-5-9 cover?
Section 13A-5-9 ("Habitual Felony Offenders - Additional Penalties.") 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-5-9?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 13A-5-9" (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 § 13A-5-9 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.