Alexander v. State

Gary Alexander was indicted and convicted for escape in the first degree in violation of Alabama Code 1975, § 13A-10-31. He was sentenced to life imprisonment as a habitual offender. On appeal, Alexander contends that the failure of a work release inmate to return from his place of employment to his place of confinement does not constitute an escape from custody. We disagree.

In 1982, Alexander was in the state penal system serving sentences for three felony convictions at the Decatur Work Release Center. On April 6, 1982, he failed to return to the center from his place of employment.

In…