(a) Any person charged with an indictable offense may have his trial removed to another county, on making application to the court, setting forth specifically the reasons why he cannot have a fair and impartial trial in the county in which the indictment is found. The application must be sworn to by him and must be made as early as practicable before the trial, or it may be made after conviction upon a new trial being granted.

Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-2-20

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
  • person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
  • Remand: When an appellate court sends a case back to a lower court for further proceedings.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(b) The refusal of such application may, after final judgment, be reviewed and revised on appeal, and the Supreme Court or Court of Criminal Appeals shall reverse and remand or enter such judgment on the application as it may deem right without any presumption in favor of the judgment or ruling of the lower court on such application.
(c) If the defendant is in confinement, the application may be heard and determined without the personal presence of the defendant in court.
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