Pre-filed bill would prevent judges from granting youthful offender status to murderers 16 years of age and older

August 21, 2026 – MONTGOMERY, AL – State Representative Phillip Pettus (R-Killeen) has pre-filed a bill to prevent judges from using their discretion to award youthful offender status to anyone charged with capital murder or murder.

House Bill 11 (HB11) would prohibit liberal judges from granting youthful offender status.

According to the synopsis: "Under existing law, an individual charged with a crime that is committed while he or she is under 19 years of age may be tried as a youthful offender. This bill would prohibit a judge from granting youthful offender status to an individual who is 16 years of age or older and charged with capital murder or murder."

Under current Alabama law, anyone under the age of 21 at the time of the alleged offense may apply for Youthful Offender (YO) status. Youthful Offender status allows the court to treat the case differently than a standard adult criminal proceeding, focusing more on rehabilitation than on punishment for the crime. The judge has full discretion to grant or deny YO status after reviewing the defendant's background, the nature of the offense, and other relevant factors.

Key legal features of youthful offender status are:

• No Jury Trial: If YO status is granted, the defendant must waive their right to a jury trial. The case is heard by a judge in a closed proceeding.

• Sealed Records: If adjudicated as a Youthful Offender, the court record is sealed. This means it's generally not accessible to the public or future employers.

• Reduced Penalties: YO status can result in lighter sentencing options, such as probation, community service, or short-term detention, rather than prison time.

• No Formal Conviction: A Youthful Offender adjudication is not considered a criminal conviction under Alabama law, which can help preserve future employment and educational opportunities.

This legislation would protect victims' families from a justice system more interested in protecting the future career prospects for the perpetrator than with dispensing justice.

Pettus is a retired Alabama State Trooper.

The Alabama Legislature will meet next on January 13, 2026.

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