diff --git a/py/compile.c b/py/compile.c
index fe0e4cb..2b56d83 100644
--- a/py/compile.c
+++ b/py/compile.c
@@ -1987,6 +1987,7 @@
             // this is a catch all exception handler
             if (i + 1 != n_except) {
                 compile_syntax_error(comp, pn_excepts[i], "default 'except:' must be last");
+                compile_decrease_except_level(comp);
                 return;
             }
         } else {