Ala. Code §§ 6-5-155 to 6-5-156.5 § 6-5-155.8
Protection of Witnesses.
Operative Text
If proof of the existence of the drug-related nuisance depends, in whole or in part, upon the affidavits of witnesses who are not law enforcement officers, upon a showing of prior threats of violence or acts of violence by any defendant or other person using the property alleged to be a drug-related nuisance, the court may issue orders to protect those witnesses, including, but not limited to, nondisclosure of the name, address, or any other identifying information.
Under Alabama Code § 6-5-155.8, when a drug-related nuisance case relies on testimony or affidavits from civilian witnesses, a court has the authority to shield those witnesses from potential retaliation. If there is evidence that a defendant or someone else connected to the property has made threats or committed acts of violence, the court may issue protective orders. These orders can include keeping the witnesses' names, addresses, and other identifying details out of the public record.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers involved in drug-related nuisance proceedings under § 6-5-155.8 should be aware that courts can restrict access to identifying information about civilian witnesses who testify against a property. Compliant operators generally cooperate with court-issued protective orders and refrain from any conduct that could be construed as intimidating or threatening toward witnesses. Understanding that witness-protection measures may limit the identifying details available during litigation is part of navigating these proceedings.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Alabama Code § 6-5-155.8 provides a meaningful protection for tenants or community members who serve as witnesses in drug-related nuisance cases — courts can order that their personal information remain confidential if there is a showing of prior threats or violence. Tenants who are concerned about retaliation for coming forward may be able to request such protective orders through the court handling the nuisance action. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand what protections may be available in these situations.
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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