Lawrence Pleads Guilty to Felony Forgery
Alabama state Rep. Kelvin Lawrence avoids prison time through a pretrial diversion program and deferred sentence.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Live Poll
Do you trust a local lawmaker who pleaded guilty to felony forgery to keep serving?
Democratic state Rep. Kelvin Lawrence of Hayneville pleaded guilty to second-degree felony forgery, one day after winning re-election. Under a plea agreement, the charges will be dismissed if he completes a pretrial diversion program.
Why it matters
The plea resolves felony charges against a sitting Alabama lawmaker, showing how diversion and deferred sentencing can keep a conviction off the record. It also raises questions for voters about how the case was handled relative to the election timeline.
Lawrence pleaded guilty to second-degree felony forgery under a plea agreement that places him in a pretrial diversion program requiring 300 hours of community service within 12 months. The charges will be dismissed upon completion, but the program's outcome remains pending.
The players
Kelvin Lawrence
Kelvin Lawrence is a 50-year-old Democratic member of the Alabama House of Representatives from Hayneville, Lowndes County.
The details
Lawrence was charged in July 2024 with forgery in the second degree and criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second degree, both Class C felonies, after an indictment alleged he falsely made or altered a builder's license with intent to defraud. He originally pleaded not guilty before reaching the plea deal.
Timeline
July 2024: Lawrence charged with forgery and criminal possession of a forged instrument.
Wednesday, before November 9, 2026: Lawrence pleads guilty to second-degree felony forgery, one day after winning re-election.
Within 12 months of the plea: Lawrence must complete 300 hours of community service at an approved non-profit.
Legal Context
Pretrial diversion lets a defendant avoid a conviction by completing conditions such as community service, a mechanism the Alabama courts apply to felony charges. Lawrence's deal, with a deferred 37-month sentence and charges dismissed upon completion, follows that pattern for a sitting legislator.
Voters in Lowndes County and across Alabama are represented by a lawmaker whose felony case was resolved without a conviction on his record. The outcome shows how diversion can resolve felony charges against elected officials.
The takeaway
Diversion programs can resolve felony charges without a conviction when defendants meet conditions, so the completion of Lawrence's community service will determine the final outcome. Readers can track whether the charges are dismissed as the plea agreement describes.
What happens next
Lawrence must complete 300 hours of community service within 12 months, after which the charges are scheduled to be dismissed.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Criminal Justice reporting across Alabama.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 1819 News.
Live Poll
Do you trust a local lawmaker who pleaded guilty to felony forgery to keep serving?
