SB233 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Sam Givhan

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Courts, criminal cases, virtual hearings, objections by defendant, Secs. 15-26-1, 15-26-2 am'd.

Summary

SB233 allows certain criminal court hearings to be held via audio-video connection instead of in person, with safeguards and the option for in-person hearings if someone objects.

What This Bill Does

The bill lets courts use audio-video hearings for pre-trial appearances, arraignments, bail, bench trials, or post-trial proceedings. The judge must be able to see and talk with the defendant, and the defendant and counsel must be able to communicate privately and be in the same location during the video session, with the transmission live and secure. If any party objects to using audio-video, an in-person hearing must be held, with specific deadlines for filing objections. If audio-video is used, the defendant's physical presence in open court is not required, and the Supreme Court will adjust its rules accordingly; the act takes effect a few months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Criminal defendants who are scheduled for pre-trial, arraignment, bail, bench trial, or post-trial proceedings; they may appear via audio-video rather than traveling to court, but must be with their counsel in the same location during the session.
• Defense attorneys and the court system (judges, magistrates, and court staff) who must implement, manage, and respond to audio-video hearings, ensure private communications, and decide when in-person hearings are required.

Key Provisions

• Allows use of audio-video for certain pre-trial, bench trial, or post-trial proceedings; requires the judge to see and converse with the defendant, allow private communication with counsel, and ensure the defendant and counsel are in the same location during the session, with live, secure transmission.
• If any party objects, an in-person hearing must be held with specified objection deadlines; the defendant's physical presence in open court is not required when audio-video is used; the Supreme Court must amend its rules to reflect the act, which takes effect after a set period.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Courts