Ala. Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353 § 6-6-334
Failure of Witnesses to Attend or Refusal to Testify.
Operative Text
(a) Any witness, duly subpoenaed and failing to attend or refusing to testify may be fined by the district court judge not exceeding $100, for the use of the county, for which he may issue execution directed to the constable. (b) The judgment specified in subsection (a) of this section must not be made absolute until 10 days after service of a written notice on such witness, informing him of the entry of such judgment.
Under Alabama Code § 6-6-334, a witness who has been properly subpoenaed but fails to appear or refuses to testify in a district court proceeding may be fined up to $100, with that fine directed to the benefit of the county. However, the fine cannot be made final until at least 10 days after the witness has been served with written notice that the judgment was entered against them. This notice requirement gives the witness an opportunity to respond before the penalty becomes binding.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Alabama Code § 6-6-334 governs witness conduct in district court proceedings, which can arise in landlord-tenant disputes such as unlawful detainer actions covered under §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353. Property owners and managers who rely on witnesses in such proceedings should be aware that subpoenaed witnesses are legally obligated to attend and testify. A compliant operator generally ensures that any witnesses they intend to call are properly notified of their obligations and the potential consequences of non-attendance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Alabama Code § 6-6-334 establishes that witnesses subpoenaed in district court proceedings—including those arising from landlord-tenant matters—face a potential fine of up to $100 if they fail to attend or refuse to testify. Tenants who are subpoenaed as witnesses, or who rely on witnesses in their own cases, should be aware that this provision applies to all parties in the proceeding. Those with questions about witness obligations or rights in a housing-related court matter may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service familiar with Alabama procedure.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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