Alabama § 15-26-1 - Conduct of Pre-trial Proceeding by Audio-Video Communication Device.
Full text of Alabama Code of Alabama § 15-26-1 — Conduct of Pre-trial Proceeding by Audio-Video Communication Device., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-26-1. Conduct of Pre-trial Proceeding by Audio-Video Communication Device.
(a) Whenever the law requires a defendant in a criminal case to appear before any judge or magistrate for a first or subsequent appearance, bail, arraignment, or other pre-trial, bench trial, or post trial proceeding, at the discretion of the court, the proceeding may be conducted by an audio-video communication device, in which case the defendant shall not be required to be physically brought before the judge or magistrate. For a court to use audio-video communication all of the following shall occur:
(1) The judge or magistrate shall be able to see and converse simultaneously with the defendant or other person.
(2) The audio-video communication device shall operate so that the defendant and his or her counsel, if any, can communicate privately.
(3) The signal of the audio-video communication shall be transmitted live and shall be secure from interception through lawful means by anyone other than the persons communicating.
(b) If any party objects to a pre-trial, bench trial, or post trial hearing pursuant to subsection (a), an in-person hearing shall be held. Any objection to a hearing pursuant to subsection (a) shall be filed within 10 days of the issuance of the order setting the hearing, or at least three days prior to the hearing if the order setting the hearing is issued within 10 days of the hearing.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as affecting the defendant’s right to waive counsel.
Source: official Alabama text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Alabama § 15-26-1
What does Code of Alabama § 15-26-1 cover?
Section 15-26-1 ("Conduct of Pre-trial Proceeding by Audio-Video Communication Device.") 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 § 15-26-1?
A common citation format is "Code of Alabama § 15-26-1" (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 § 15-26-1 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.