State Gun Laws

The penalty depends on the circumstances of the illegal possession of the firearm, as follows:

1. It is a Class C felony to have a firearm while being subject to a valid protection order for domestic abuse, issued after notice to the abuser and a hearing. 
2. It is a Class C felony to have a firearm if you were convicted of committing or attempting to commit:
   • a crime of violence;
   • a misdemeanor offense of domestic violence; or 
   • a violent offense.  
3. It is a Class C felony to have a firearm if you are “of unsound mind” or in the U.S. “illegally or unlawfully” or with a nonimmigrant visa.¹
4. It is Class A misdemeanor to have a firearm if the person is:
   • a minor;
   • an abuser of alcohol (“habitual drunkard); or
   • addicted to drugs.²

The sentence for a Class C felony is up to ten years and a fine of up to $15,000.³ The sentence for a Class A misdemeanor is up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $6,000.⁴

¹ Alabama Code § 13A-11-72(a), (c)
² Alabama Code § 13A-11-72(b) 
³ Alabama Code §§ 13A-5-6(a)(3); 13A-5-11(a)(3)
⁴ Alabama Code §§ 13A-5-7(a)(1); 13A-5-12(a)(1)