Ala. Code §§ 8-19-1 to 8-19-15 § 8-19-8
Restraining Orders.
Operative Text
(a) Whenever the office of the Attorney General or the office of the district attorney has reason to believe that any person is engaging in, has engaged in or is about to engage in any act or practice declared to be unlawful by this chapter, the Attorney General or the district attorney may bring an action in the name of the state against such person to restrain by temporary restraining order, temporary or permanent injunction such acts or practices. However, unless the Attorney General or district attorney determines that a person subject to the provisions of this chapter designs quickly to depart from this state or to remove his property therefrom, or to conceal himself or his property therein, or to continue practices unlawful under this chapter, he shall, before initiating any legal proceedings is contemplated, allow such person a reasonable opportunity to appear before the Attorney General or district attorney and solve the dispute to the parties’ satisfaction. (b) The court may appoint a master or receiver or order sequestration of assets whenever it shall appear that the defendant threatens or is about to remove, conceal, or dispose of his property to the damage of persons to whom restoration would be made, or whenever a person who has been ordered to make restitution under this section has failed to do so within three months after the order to make restitution has become final and nonappealable, and assess the expenses of the master or receiver against the defendant. (c) Upon a showing to the court by the office of the Attorney General or the office of the district attorney that a person has engaged in continuous and willful violations of the provisions of this chapter, the court may suspend or revoke any license or certificate authorizing that person to engage in business in this state or the court may enjoin any person from engaging in business in this state. (d) The penalties authorized under this section shall not apply to any person who shows by a preponderance of evidence that he had established reasonable procedures to comply with the provisions of this chapter. (e) The court may grant such other appropriate relief as the court may determine.
Alabama Code §§ 8-19-1 to 8-19-15, § 8-19-8 authorizes state officials to seek court orders halting unlawful trade practices before, during, or after they occur. Courts handling these cases can freeze or sequester assets, appoint a receiver, and even suspend or revoke a business license when violations are found to be continuous and willful. A person who can demonstrate by a preponderance of evidence that they had established reasonable compliance procedures is shielded from the penalties this section authorizes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Alabama's consumer-protection framework should be aware that § 8-19-8 gives the Attorney General and district attorneys broad authority to seek injunctions and asset sequestration against those found to be engaging in unlawful practices. Operators who maintain documented, reasonable compliance procedures—training records, written policies, and regular audits—are generally in a stronger position to invoke the affirmative defense this section provides. Before most legal proceedings are initiated, the statute contemplates that the accused party will be given an opportunity to resolve the dispute directly with the Attorney General or district attorney, making early cooperation a recognized part of the process.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 8-19-8 of the Alabama Code, tenants and other consumers who believe a landlord or business is engaging in unlawful practices can report those concerns to the Alabama Attorney General's office or the local district attorney, who are empowered to seek restraining orders and injunctions on behalf of the public. If a court finds continuous and willful violations, it can go further—suspending or revoking the offending party's business license or ordering restitution, with asset sequestration available if there is a risk that property will be hidden or removed. Tenants seeking to understand how these enforcement tools might relate to their situation may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Alabama consumer-protection law.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation