(a) After due service thereof, the person to whom a writ of habeas corpus is directed must make his return on the day therein specified if practicable; and, if no day is specified therein and the place to which the return is to be made is not more than 30 miles from the place where the party is imprisoned or detained, the return must be made within two days after service, but if more than 30 and less than 100 miles, within five days, and if over 100 miles, within eight days after service.
Terms Used In Alabama Code 15-21-17
Habeas corpus: A writ that is usually used to bring a prisoner before the court to determine the legality of his imprisonment. It may also be used to bring a person in custody before the court to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
state: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories of the United States. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
Writ: A formal written command, issued from the court, requiring the performance of a specific act.
(b) The return must be signed by the person making it and be verified by his oath, unless he is a sworn public officer and makes the return in his official capacity, and it must state, plainly and unequivocally whether or not he has the party in his custody or power or under his restraint and, if so, by what authority and the cause thereof, setting out the same fully, together with a copy of the writ, warrant or other written authority, if any; and, if he has had the party in his custody or power or under his restraint at any time before or after the date of the writ but has transferred such custody or restraint to another, the return must state to whom, at what time, for what cause and by what authority such transfer was made.
