Alabama law now treats possession of a Glock switch, also called a machine gun conversion device or auto sear, as a Class C felony under Senate Bill 116, which Governor Ivey signed in March 2025. The penalties are severe: up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Prosecutions under the new state law are already moving through Jefferson County and surrounding courts.
If you have been charged, understanding how this law works and what defenses may apply is the first step toward protecting your future.
What the Law Prohibits
A Glock switch is a small device, often 3D-printed, that converts a semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic weapon capable of firing over a thousand rounds per minute. Federal law has long prohibited possession of these devices, but before SB 116, Alabama had no parallel state offense. That meant local police had to hand cases off to federal agents, and many suspects were released before federal prosecutors could act.
SB 116 closed that gap. Alabama police can now arrest, book, and charge possession of a Glock switch directly under state law. Importantly, the statute was amended during the legislative process to remove the "knowingly" requirement for possession in certain circumstances, which significantly broadens who can be charged.
Exceptions to the Law
The ban does not apply to law enforcement officers acting in their official capacity or to individuals who have properly registered their firearms through the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, which is the federal mechanism for lawfully owned machine guns. These exceptions are narrow, and qualifying requires specific federal documentation.
Common Defense Strategies
Defense in a Glock switch case often involves challenging how the device was discovered, whether the search and seizure were constitutional, whether the device actually meets the statutory definition of a machine gun conversion device, and whether the accused had the required level of knowledge or control over the item. Co-occupant cases, where a device is found in a shared vehicle or residence, often produce strong defenses on possession grounds alone.
Federal Exposure Still Exists
Even with the new state law in place, federal prosecutors can still bring charges under federal firearms statutes, which carry their own penalties. In some cases, defendants face both state and federal exposure. A defense attorney familiar with both court systems can help you understand which forum presents the greater risk and how to coordinate a strategy across them.
Protect Your Rights from Day One
Firearms convictions carry consequences that extend far beyond prison time, including the permanent loss of your right to possess a firearm and serious barriers to employment and housing. Elizabeth Hunter & Associates defends clients across the Birmingham metro against state and federal weapons charges. Contact our office today at (205) 203-9439 to discuss your case.