Alabama Code 36-11-25. Proceedings where defendant has removed, absconded, or secreted himself
Terms Used In Alabama Code 36-11-25
- Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
- Impeachment: (1) The process of calling something into question, as in "impeaching the testimony of a witness." (2) The constitutional process whereby the House of Representatives may "impeach" (accuse of misconduct) high officers of the federal government for trial in the Senate.
- Plea: In a criminal case, the defendant's statement pleading "guilty" or "not guilty" in answer to the charges, a declaration made in open court.
- Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
- Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
If, in any case of proceedings for impeachment or removal from office under this chapter, the defendant has removed, absconded or secreted himself so that the summons cannot be served on him personally, the sheriff or other officer to whom the summons is issued shall serve the same by leaving a copy thereof at the office of the defendant, if known, or at his last place of residence; and the sheriff shall forthwith publish in some newspaper published in the county or, if no newspaper is published in the county, in the newspaper published nearest thereto a copy of the summons and notice to the defendant where a copy thereof has been left for him. The sheriff shall make return of the summons as in other cases, stating the facts, and such service shall be as valid to all intents and purposes as personal service on the defendant; and, if the defendant fails to appear pursuant to the summons, whether served personally or as provided by this section, the court shall cause the plea of not guilty to be entered for him and the trial shall proceed as in other cases.