Habitual offender law; pleas of nolo contendere treated as a plea of guilty

More pleas count against repeat offenders

Beginning October 1, 2026, Alabama’s repeat-offender law counts convictions from Alabama and other states. Convictions based on nolo contendere (no contest), best interests, or Alford pleas count like guilty-plea convictions unless expunged. The sentencing rules below apply when the new felony occurs after the required prior convictions. With one prior Class A, B, or C felony, a new Class C felony receives Class B punishment. A new Class B receives Class A punishment; a new Class A brings life imprisonment or 15–99 years. With two prior Class A, B, or C felonies, a new Class C receives Class A punishment. A new Class B brings life or 15–99 years; a new Class A brings life or at least 99 years. With three or more prior Class A, B, or C felonies, a new Class C brings life or 15–99 years. A new Class B brings life or at least 20 years. For a new Class A with no prior Class A conviction, the judge chooses life or life without parole. With at least one prior Class A conviction, a new Class A requires life without parole. A new Class D receives Class C punishment after two or more prior Class A or B felonies. That same Class D rule also applies after three or more prior felonies of any class.