Alabama § 31-2A-57a - (Article 57A.) Deferment of Sentences.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 31-2A-57a — (Article 57A.) Deferment of Sentences., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-2A-57a. (Article 57A.) Deferment of Sentences.
(a) On application by an accused who is under sentence to confinement that has not been ordered executed, the convening authority or, if the accused is no longer under that person’s jurisdiction, the person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command to which the accused is currently assigned, may in that person’s sole discretion defer service of the sentence to confinement. The deferment shall terminate when the sentence is ordered executed. The deferment may be rescinded at any time by the person who granted it or, if the accused is no longer under that person’s jurisdiction, by the person exercising general court-martial jurisdiction over the command to which the accused is currently assigned.
(b)(1) In any case in which a court-martial sentences an accused referred to in subdivision (2) to confinement, the convening authority may defer the service of the sentence to confinement, without the consent of the accused, until after the accused has been permanently released to the state military forces by a state, the United States, or a foreign country referred to in that subdivision.
(2) Subdivision (1) applies to a person subject to this code who meets both of the following:
a. While in the custody of a state, the United States, or a foreign country is temporarily returned by that state, the United States, or a foreign country to the state military forces for trial by court-martial.
b. After the court-martial, is returned to that state, the United States, or a foreign country under the authority of a mutual agreement or treaty, as the case may be.
(3) In this subsection, the term “state” includes the District of Columbia and any commonwealth, territory, or possession of the United States.
(c) In any case in which a court-martial sentences an accused to confinement and the sentence to confinement has been ordered executed, but in which review of the case under Section 31-2A-67(a) (Article 67(a)) is pending, the Adjutant General may defer further service of the sentence to confinement while that review is pending.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 31-2A-57a
What does Code of Alabama § 31-2A-57a cover?
Section 31-2A-57a ("(Article 57A.) Deferment of Sentences.") 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 § 31-2A-57a?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 31-2A-57a" (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 § 31-2A-57a 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
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