Alabama § 12-17-185 - Duty to Attend Court.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 12-17-185 — Duty to Attend Court., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 12-17-185. Duty to Attend Court.
(a) It is the duty of every district attorney to attend each session of the court for which he is district attorney and to remain in the discharge of his duties until the business of the state is disposed of. Any district attorney, other than those mentioned in subsection (b) of this section, failing to so attend or absenting himself before the business of the state is disposed of, forfeits to the state the sum of $100.00, for which a conditional judgment must be entered, to be made absolute on notice to such district attorney unless a good excuse is rendered.
(b) If any district attorney who is paid a salary by the state fails or neglects to attend any session of the court for which he is district attorney or, after attending, absents himself before the business of the state is disposed of, he forfeits to the state the sum of $25.00 for every day he is thus absent or fails to attend, to be deducted by the Comptroller from his salary. The absence or failure of such district attorney shall be certified to the Comptroller by the clerk of the court within 10 days after the session, under a penalty of $100.00, to be recovered in the name of the state on two days’ notice.
(c) The deduction provided for in the subsection (b) of this section shall not be made if the district attorney makes and files with the Comptroller, within 10 days after the session from which he is absent, an affidavit that such failure to attend or absence was on account of sickness of himself or family, inevitable accident or of an epidemic or contagious disease or a well-grounded apprehension thereof.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 12-17-185
What does Code of Alabama § 12-17-185 cover?
Section 12-17-185 ("Duty to Attend Court.") is part of the Code of Alabama, the codified statutory law of Alabama. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Alabama § 12-17-185?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 12-17-185" (Alabama). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Alabama law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Alabama official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Alabama attorney.
How does Alabama § 12-17-185 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Alabama can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Alabama.