SB273 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby Denton

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Quinton RossLinda Coleman-MadisonPriscilla DunnBobby D. SingletonMyron PennVivian Davis Figures

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Habitual felony offender, alternative sentences for third felony conviction, mandatory penalty for fourth Class A felony conviction revised under certain circumstances, retroactive review for certain persons, Sec. 13A-5-9 am'd.

Summary

SB273 lets judges have discretion on third-felony sentences and, under certain circumstances, allows a fourth-felony Class A sentence to be life with the possibility of parole after 15 years, plus retroactive review for affected inmates.

What This Bill Does

Allows trial judges to exercise discretion when sentencing someone who has three felony convictions, instead of a fixed mandatory sentence. For a fourth felony conviction that is a Class A felony, the bill would let the court impose life with the possibility of parole after 15 years if the person was not an active participant in the first felony and the first offense did not involve death, injury to a victim, harm to a law enforcement officer, or death/rape of a child 14 or younger. Requires retroactive review of inmates currently serving a sentence for a fourth-felony conviction to determine parole eligibility under these new rules.

Who It Affects

• Defendants with two prior felonies who commit a third felony, who would see new sentencing options rather than a fixed penalty.
• Defendants with a fourth felony conviction (Class A) and inmates currently serving a fourth-felony sentence, who could face life with parole after 15 years under certain conditions and may be subject to retroactive parole review.

Key Provisions

• Discretion for third-felony sentencing (instead of mandatory sentencing) when a defendant has three prior felonies.
• Fourth-felony sentencing for Class A offenses can be life with the possibility of parole after 15 years if active participation in the first felony and certain death/injury criteria are not met.
• Retroactive review required for defendants currently serving fourth-felony sentences under the amended rules.
• Sentencing framework distinguishes first felony type and participant status and applies these distinctions to fourth-felony sentences.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses