AL SB259

Establishes the "First Time Felony Offender Act" allowing first-time defendants without prior felony convictions or youthful offender adjudications to apply for first offender status, excluding those charged with capital murder, Class A or B felonies, sex offenses, or Class C felonies involving injury to a person.

Requires court investigation and examination of eligible defendants with their consent, followed by a judge's decision to either arraign them as first offenders with charges dismissed or proceed with normal criminal proceedings.

Allows judges to sentence first offenders convicted of felonies through options including suspended sentences, probation up to three years, fines up to $7,500, or jail/prison terms not exceeding three years.

Provides that defendants successfully completing probation terms will have their cases discharged and criminal records sealed, with no disqualification from public office, employment, or professional licenses.

Makes fingerprints and records of first offenders confidential unless court permits inspection, while authorizing the Alabama Sentencing Commission access to case information for data analysis purposes.