Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code § 13A-11-72

Alabama Code § 13A-11-72 regulates firearm possession by individuals with violent or domestic-related criminal histories or mental-health disqualifications. The 2015 amendment expanded the statute to prohibit anyone convicted of a crime of violence, a misdemeanor domestic-violence offense, or a violent offense under  § 12-25-32(14), as well as anyone subject to a valid domestic-abuse protection order or deemed of unsound mind, from owning or possessing a firearm. In 2025, through Senate Bill 119, the legislature further broadened these restrictions and enacted § 13A-11-72.2. The revised law now bars firearm possession by persons convicted of any felony within the past five years or those with three or more felony convictions and establishes a new offense for individuals charged with violent or domestic-violence crimes who possess firearms while awaiting trial. The amendment also enhances penalties, designates violations as Class C felonies, and authorizes revocation of probation or parole for prohibited possession. Together, these provisions reflect Alabama’s continuing effort to align its firearm disqualification laws with federal standards and to strengthen public-safety protections in cases involving domestic violence and repeat offenders.