HB248 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patricia Todd

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Crimes and offenses, possession of marijuana, violation punishable by a fine only, Secs. 13A-12-213, 13A-12-214 am'd.

Summary

HB248 redefines marijuana possession into two degrees with different penalties, adds a potential fine-only first offense for certain second-degree cases, and provides that some second-degree convictions won’t appear on a criminal record.

What This Bill Does

Creates unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree for more than one ounce, or for one ounce or less if the person has a prior conviction for second-degree possession or for personal-use possession only, making it a Class C felony. Establishes unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree as possession for personal use of one ounce or less, and treats first offense of second-degree possession as a fine-only violation. Sets second-degree possession as a Class A misdemeanor and includes a provision that a conviction under this section shall not appear on the person's criminal record.

Who It Affects

• Individuals who possess marijuana: penalties and classifications depend on the amount and prior convictions.
• People with prior convictions for unlawful possession (second degree) or for personal-use possession: could face first-degree possession if certain conditions apply.
• People charged with second-degree possession: could face a fine-only first offense, and the conviction may not appear on their criminal record.

Key Provisions

• Defines unlawful possession of marijuana in the first degree as more than one ounce, or one ounce or less with a prior conviction for unlawful possession in the second degree or for personal-use possession only.
• First-degree unlawful possession of marijuana is a Class C felony.
• Defines unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree as possession for personal use of one ounce or less.
• First offense of unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree would be a violation punishable by a fine only.
• Conviction under unlawful possession of marijuana in the second degree shall not appear on a person's criminal record.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Crimes and Offenses