Table of Contents
While we strive to be as accurate and complete as possible, our researchers are not attorneys, and state laws are often full of nuances and gaps. Legal challenges in some states have resulted in different registration requirements based on the year of conviction or first registration. Users must accept all risks associated with actions taken based on this information. Please help us improve by reporting any errors or omissions via our form at https://narsol.org/wiki-response/
INSTRUCTIONS FOR ACCESSING ALABAMA's CODE LINKS:
- Right click and open this link in a new window or tab: https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama
- This appears to be the ONLY link for all of Alabama's current statutes. From there, scroll down to the section needed, such as 15-20A which has the bulk of the relevant statutes, and then click the down arrow next to the statute you want.
Alabama Laws Regarding Registration
Who must register?
Section 15-20A-5
What information must registrants provide?
Section 15-20A-7 and A-8
How frequently must they register? And for how long?
Every three months; Section 15-20A-10f
Adults for life Section 15-20A-3
Some juveniles for life Section 15-20A-28
Does the state categorize registrants by levels/tiers?
No.
Section III. Tiering of Offenses
https://www.smart.gov/pdfs/sorna/Alabama.pdf
Does the state use risk assessment when assigning tiers or levels to registrants?
No.
There was in 2009, but it was repealed in 2011
Do any registrants remain privately registered? If so, who?
Yes; see this from 5th FAQ:
If the offense was a first conviction for Indecent Exposure or Sexual Misconduct, the offender will not appear on our site. An offender adjudicated as a juvenile (unless the juvenile was assessed as High Risk) or youthful offender (unless the youthful offender was over 18 at the time of the offense) is not posted on the website. If an adult sex offender was convicted out of state, in a federal or military court, or on an Indian Reservation, the individual will not be posted to the website until completion of a due process hearing in some cases.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. Adults pay $10 quarterly per registering authority (county/city)
Code of Alabama §15-20A-22
Are there special restrictions for registrants even after supervision?
Section 15-20A-11 residency restrictions
Section 15-20A-13 employment
Section 15-20A-15 travel
Section 15-20A-16 contact with victim
Section 15-20A-17 loitering
Section 15-20A-18 identification
Section 15-20A-21 community notification
Fee 15-20A-22
Is there a process for removal from the registry? If so, who qualifies and what is the process?
Section 15-20A-24; applicable only in “Romeo and Juliet” situations
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who is visiting the state?
What is the registration requirement for someone with a sexual offense who will be moving to the state to live or to attend school?
They must appear in person with local law enforcement immediately.
Section 15-20A-10
Section 15-20A-14
State Laws Regarding Sexual Offenses and Offenders, other than registration
What sexual offenses can people be convicted of, and what are the ranges of sentences?
238 page document with sex offenses scattered throughout; sentencing is grouped by class of felony – A, B, C, – or misdemeanors rather than type of crime
http://sentencingcommission.alacourt.gov/Publications/Judges%20Reference%20Manual_Oct2010.pdf
Does the state have lifetime supervision?
No.
Does the state have indeterminate sentencing?
No.
What are the state civil commitment laws?
None.
What is the age of consent?
Age 16 Section 13A-6-70
Are there “Romeo and Juliet” laws or other laws specific to young people?
Section 15-20A-24 and 43 - Victim over 13, no more than 4 yrs difference
Info for State Advocates
Are felons allowed to vote? If so, when is this right restored?
Almost none; a few can petition; sex offenses, no-moral turpitude: section 17-3-30.1
What does the state say about persons who are required to register?
Shelby County Sherriff
https://www.shelbyso.com/
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency
https://www.alea.gov/
How does the state’s legislative process work?
Response needed.
How can I locate legislation regarding sexual offense issues?
Alabama bills can be found here:
https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search
Best keywords are:
Sex offender; sexual offense; sex offender registration
How to sign up for notifications of bill movement:
Via Google; create account, then singn up for “MY BILLS”:
https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/bill-search?tab=0
Most important legislative committees for our issues are:
Public Safety & Homeland Security
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/aliswww/ISD/HseCommittee.aspx?OID_ORGANIZATION=2946&COMMITTEE=Public%20Safety%20and%20Homeland%20Security
Education and Youth
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/aliswww/ISD/SenCommittee.aspx?OID_ORGANIZATION=3104&COMMITTEE=Education%20and%20Youth%20Affairs
Judiciary
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/aliswww/ISD/HseCommittee.aspx?OID_ORGANIZATION=1795&COMMITTEE=Judiciary
Contact info for state legislators can be found at:
Click either house or senate and then click picture/name for contact info
http://www.legislature.state.al.us/aliswww/default.aspx
Other Useful State Information
Contact information for state registry office
Website:
http://www.alea.gov/Home/wfContent.aspx?ID=70&PLH1=plhAlerts-SexOffenders
email form here:
http://www.alea.gov/Home/wfSubmitComments.aspx?ID=50
(334) 353-1172
NARSOL state affiliate website or blog:
No affiliate at present.
Other helpful state advocacy groups:
Reform Alabama blog
http://reformalabama.blogspot.com/
Sex Offender Resource
Response needed.
Other registrant-friendly state support groups:
Response needed.
Other helpful information
Extensive juvenile registration section: Section 15-20A-27 - Section 15-20A-35