Ala. Code §§ 6-6-310 to 6-6-353 § 6-6-333
Process - Neglect or Refusal to Execute by Sheriff or Constable.
Operative Text
Any sheriff or constable neglecting or refusing to execute any process placed in his hands by a district court judge by virtue of the authority conferred by this article, forfeits to the party aggrieved $200, to be recovered by action in the circuit court.
Under Alabama Code § 6-6-333, if a sheriff or constable fails or refuses to carry out a court process that a district court judge has directed them to execute under this article's authority, that officer forfeits $200 to the party harmed by the neglect. That forfeiture amount can be recovered through a civil action brought in circuit court. The provision creates a financial accountability mechanism for law-enforcement officers who do not fulfill their duty to execute judicial process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 6-6-333, landlords who have obtained a valid district court process—such as one related to a dispossessory or unlawful detainer proceeding—have a statutory remedy if the assigned sheriff or constable fails or refuses to execute it. A compliant operator generally documents the date and manner in which process was delivered to the officer, preserving a record that could support a forfeiture claim if execution is neglected. Awareness of this provision helps property owners understand that the law provides a mechanism to address officer inaction, separate from the underlying eviction or possession proceeding.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 6-6-333 of the Alabama Code is relevant to any party—including a tenant—who is the 'aggrieved party' when a sheriff or constable neglects or refuses to execute a court process issued under this article. If a tenant believes they have been harmed by an officer's failure to act on a lawfully issued process, the statute identifies circuit court as the venue for pursuing the $200 forfeiture. Tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand whether this provision applies to their circumstances and what general steps are involved in a circuit court action.
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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