HB559 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Matt SimpsonRepresentative
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Crimes and offenses, provide that a judge may split a sentence for misdemeanor convictions, Sec. 15-18-8 am'd.
Summary: HB 559 lets judges split or suspend part of a sentence for many felonies and misdemeanors, placing offenders on probation after serving part of the term.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Section 15-18-8 to allow judges to order confinement for a portion of the sentence for Class A, B, C, and certain D felonies and then suspend the remainder with probation. For Class A or B felonies with a total sentence up to 15 years, the judge may require up to 3 years in confinement and suspend the rest, with the defendant on probation. For Class A, B, or C felonies with total sentences greater than 15 but not more than 20 years, confinement would be 3-5 years (A/B) or 3 years (C), after which the remainder is suspended and the defendant goes on probation; during confinement, parole is not available due to incentive time, and the provision does not apply to sex offenses involving a child. For Class C and D felonies with total sentences up to 15 years, the court may order up to 2 years in confinement for Class C or use a consenting community corrections program for Class D, with the remainder suspended and probation; for misdemeanors and municipal offenses, the court may suspend part of the sentence and place the offender on probation for up to two years.

Who It Affects
Felony offenders (Class A, B, C, and D) who could have part of their sentence served in confinement and the rest suspended with probation under the new rules, depending on the offense and sentence length.
Defendants convicted of misdemeanors or municipal ordinances who may have a portion of their sentence suspended and placed on probation for up to two years.

Key Provisions
Allows judges to order confinement for a portion of the sentence for Class A/B felonies up to 15 years and suspend the remainder with probation.
For Class A/B/C felonies with 15-20 year sentences, confinement would be 3-5 years (A/B) or 3 years (C) with the remainder suspended and probation; during confinement, parole is not available due to Incentive Time; this does not apply to sex offenses involving a child.
For Class C/D felonies with up to 15 years, confinement up to 2 years (C) or a consenting community corrections program for D, with the remainder suspended and probation.
For misdemeanors and municipal offenses, the judge may suspend part of the sentence and place the defendant on probation for up to two years.

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