(a) If, by his or her own inquiries or as a result of complaints, the enforcing authority has reason to believe that a person has engaged in, or is engaging in a practice that violates this chapter, he or she may administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses or matter, and collect evidence. Within 10 days after the service of a subpoena or at any time before the return date specified therein, whichever is longer, the party served may file in the circuit court in the county in which he or she resides or in which he or she transacts business and serve upon the enforcing authority a petition for an order modifying or setting aside the subpoena. The petitioner may raise any objection or privilege which would be available under this chapter or upon service of the subpoena in a civil action. The subpoena shall inform the party served of his or her rights under this subsection.
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Terms Used In Alabama Code 8-19A-16

  • circuit: means judicial circuit. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Subpoena: A command to a witness to appear and give testimony.
(b) If matter that the enforcing authority seeks to obtain by subpoena is located outside the state, the person subpoenaed may make it available to the enforcing authority or his or her representative to examine the matter at the place where it is located. The enforcing authority may designate representatives, including officials of the state in which the matter is located, to inspect the matter on his or her behalf, and he or she may respond to similar requests from officials of other states.
(c) Upon failure of a person, without lawful excuse, to obey a subpoena and upon reasonable notice to all persons affected, the enforcing authority may apply to the circuit court for an order compelling compliance.
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