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Current as of November 25, 2024 | Updated by FindLaw Staff
Except as authorized in Chapter 2, Title 20:
(1) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, in excess of one kilo or 2.2 pounds of any part of the plant of the genus Cannabis, whether growing or not, the seeds thereof, the resin extracted from any part of the plant, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin including the completely defoliated mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil, or cake, or the completely sterilized samples of seeds of the plant which are incapable of germination is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in cannabis." Nothing in this subdivision shall apply to samples of tetrahydrocannabinols including, but not limited to, all synthetic or naturally produced samples of tetrahydrocannabinols which contain more than 15 percent by weight of tetrahydrocannabinols and which do not contain plant material exhibiting the external morphological features of the plant cannabis. If the quantity of cannabis involved:
a. Is in excess of one kilo or 2.2 pounds, but less than 100 pounds, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000).
b. Is 100 pounds or more, but less than 500 pounds, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
c. Is 500 pounds or more, but less than 1,000 pounds, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).
d. Is 1,000 pounds or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(2) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of cocaine or of any mixture containing cocaine, described in Section 20-2-25(1), is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in cocaine." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than one kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo, but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(3) Any person, except as otherwise authorized by law, who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, four grams or more of any morphine, opium, or any salt, isomer, or salt of an isomer thereof, including heroin, as described in Section 20-2-23(b)(2) or Section 20-2-25(1)a., or four grams or more of any mixture containing any such substance, or any mixture containing Fentanyl or any synthetic controlled substance Fentanyl analogue, as described in Sections 20-2-23 and 20-2-25, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is four grams or more, but less than 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 56 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and to pay a fine of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
d. Is 56 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(4) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 1,000 or more pills or capsules of methaqualone, as described in Section 20-2-1, et seq., is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 1,000 pills or capsules, but less than 5,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 5,000 capsules or more, but less than 25,000 capsules, the person shall be imprisoned to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is 25,000 pills or more, but less than 100,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and pay a fine of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
d. Is 100,000 capsules or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(5) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 500 or more pills or capsules of hydromorphone, as is described in Section 20-2-1, et seq., is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 500 pills or capsules or more but less than 1,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 1,000 pills or capsules or more, but less than 4,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is 4,000 pills or capsules or more but less than 10,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
d. Is more than 10,000 pills or capsules, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of life.
(6) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or of any mixture containing 3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than one kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo, but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(7) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of 5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, or of any mixture containing 5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy amphetamine, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than one kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo, but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(8) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, four grams or more of phencyclidine, or any mixture containing phencyclidine, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is four grams or more, but less than 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 56 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 56 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(9) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, four grams or more of lysergic acid diethylamide, or four grams or more of any mixture containing lysergic acid diethylamide, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a. Is four grams or more, but less than 14 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 14 grams or more, but less than 28 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is 28 grams or more, but less than 56 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and to pay a fine of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
d. Is 56 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(10) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of amphetamine or any mixture containing amphetamine, its salt, optical isomer, or salt of its optical isomer thereof, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in amphetamine." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 28 grams or more but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than one kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(11) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, 28 grams or more of methamphetamine or any mixture containing methamphetamine, its salts, optical isomers, or salt of its optical isomers thereof, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in methamphetamine." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 28 grams or more but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than one kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(12) Any person who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of 56 or more grams of a synthetic controlled substance or a synthetic controlled substance analogue, as described in Section 20-2-23(a)(4) or (5), except for any synthetic controlled substance Fentanyl analogue referenced in subdivision (13), is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in synthetic controlled substances." If the quantity involved:
a. Is 56 grams or more, but less than 500 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
b. Is 500 grams or more, but less than 1 kilo, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and to pay a fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
c. Is one kilo, but less than 10 kilos, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 calendar years and to pay a fine of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000).
d. Is 10 kilos or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life.
(13) Any person, unless otherwise authorized by law, who knowingly sells, manufactures, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is knowingly in actual or constructive possession of, one gram or more of Fentanyl or any synthetic controlled substance Fentanyl analogue, as a single component as described in Sections 20-2-23 and 20-2-25, is guilty of a felony, which shall be known as "trafficking in illegal drugs." If the quantity involved:
a.1. Is one gram or more, but less than two grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of three calendar years and to pay a minimum fine of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000).
2. Is two grams or more, but less than four grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years and to pay a minimum fine of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000).
3. Is four grams or more, but less than eight grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 calendar years and to pay a minimum fine of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).
4. Is eight grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory term of imprisonment of life and to pay a minimum fine of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000).
b.1. Notwithstanding any provision of law, in addition to any penalties provided by law, upon a second conviction of this subdivision, the person shall be sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment of five calendar years, which is not subject to suspension or probation.
2. Upon a third or subsequent conviction of this subdivision, in addition to any penalties provided by law, the person shall be sentenced to an additional term of imprisonment of 10 calendar years, which is not subject to suspension or probation.
(14) In lieu of the weight ranges listed in subdivision (12), a person may instead be charged with trafficking any substance listed in subdivisions (3) and (12) if that person possesses 50 or more individual packages of that substance. The person shall only be sentenced according to the sentence range provision listed in paragraph a. of each subdivision for the specific substance contained in the 50 or more individual packages if charged pursuant to this subdivision, subdivision (15), or subdivision (16), if applicable. In order to charge a person pursuant to this subdivision, the same substance must be contained in each of the 50 or more individual packages.
(15) The felonies of "trafficking in cannabis," "trafficking in cocaine," "trafficking in illegal drugs," "trafficking in amphetamine," "trafficking in methamphetamine," and "trafficking in synthetic controlled substances" as defined in subdivisions (1) through (14) shall be treated as Class A felonies for purposes of this title, including sentencing under Section 13A-5-9. Provided, however, that the sentence of imprisonment for a defendant with one or more prior felony convictions who violates subdivisions (1) through (14) shall be the sentence provided therein, or the sentence provided under Section 13A-5-9, whichever is greater. Provided further, that the fine for a defendant with one or more prior felony convictions who violates subdivisions (1) through (14) shall be the fine provided therein, or the fine provided under Section 13A-5-9, whichever is greater.
(16) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, any person who has possession of a firearm during the commission of any act proscribed by this section shall be punished by a term of imprisonment of five calendar years, which shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, the punishment otherwise provided, and a fine of twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000). The court shall not suspend the five-year additional sentence of the person or give the person a probationary sentence.
(Acts 1980, No. 80-587, p. 926; Acts 1986, No. 86-534, p. 1035, §2; Acts 1987, No. 87-708, p. 1246, §2; §20-2-80; transferred to this section by Acts 1988, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 88-918, p. 512, §2(4); Acts 1990, No. 90-389, p. 533, §2; Acts 1991, No. 91-447, p. 817, §1; Acts 1995, No. 95-543, p. 1135, §1; Act 2012-267, p. 517, §2; Act 2014-184, p. 530, §2; Act 2018-552, §1; Act 2023-4, §1.)
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Alabama Code Title 13A. Criminal Code SECTION 13A-12-231 TRAFFICKING IN CANNABIS, COCAINE, ILLEGAL DRUGS, AMPHETAMINE, METHAMPHETAMINE, SYNTHETIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES; PENALTIES - last updated November 25, 2024 | https://codes.findlaw.com/al/title-13a-criminal-code/al-code-sect-13a-12-231
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