Alabama SB173 amends jurisdiction over domestic violence protection order violations to be handled exclusively by circuit and district courts.

Alabama SB173 changes the jurisdiction for prosecuting violations of domestic violence protection orders. Effective October 1, 2026, these cases will be exclusively handled by the circuit and district courts. The bill also specifies penalties for violations, including a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, a minimum imprisonment for a second conviction, and a Class C felony for third or subsequent convictions. Additionally, the court can impose a $50 fine for each violation.

Alabama SB173 amends jurisdiction over domestic violence protection order violations to be handled exclusively by circuit and district courts.

Alabama SB173 changes the jurisdiction for prosecuting violations of domestic violence protection orders. Effective October 1, 2026, these cases will be exclusively handled by the circuit and district courts. The bill also specifies penalties for violations, including a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense, a minimum imprisonment for a second conviction, and a Class C felony for third or subsequent convictions. Additionally, the court can impose a $50 fine for each violation.