Alabama § 45-21-233 - Methods of Service.

§ 45-21-233. Methods of Service.

(a) In the service of summons and complaints or subpoenas requiring the attendance of witnesses in any civil, criminal, equity, or other case or proceeding in either the small claims court, district court, or Circuit Court of Crenshaw County, whether civil, criminal or juvenile, or before the grand jury, may, in addition to any other mode of service provided by law or rule, be served by the sheriff or constable personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness, or the sheriff may serve the same by placing a copy thereof in the United States mail, certified, return receipt requested, enclosing the subpoena in an envelope properly stamped and addressed to the person or witness to be served. Upon service by the sheriff upon any witness or person by anyone of the foregoing methods, provided in this section, the sheriff shall immediately mark the process executed. If the subpoena so mailed is not delivered to the address but is returned to the sheriff by the United States Post Office Department, then the sheriff shall immediately make a diligent effort to serve the subpoena either personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness.

(b) Anything to the contrary notwithstanding, in subsection (a) above, any judge having jurisdiction of the proceeding or case may, on motion of any party or on the court’s own motion, order any particular subpoena or the subpoenas in any case or proceeding to be served personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness or person or by United States registered or certified mail.