An alibi is a form of evidence used to defend against a criminal charge by demonstrating that the accused was somewhere other than the scene of the crime when the crime was committed.
In Alabama, an alibi is indeed a defense strategy used in criminal proceedings. It involves presenting evidence that the accused was in a different location at the time the crime was committed, and therefore could not have been involved in the alleged criminal act. The Rules of Criminal Procedure in Alabama require that if a defendant intends to assert an alibi, they must notify the prosecution in writing before the trial. This notice must include specific information about the place where the defendant claims to have been, as well as the names and addresses of the witnesses they intend to use to support their alibi. This allows the prosecution to investigate the validity of the alibi and prepare for cross-examination of the witnesses. Failure to provide proper notice of an alibi can result in the exclusion of that evidence during the trial. It's important for defendants considering an alibi defense to work closely with their attorney to ensure that all procedural requirements are met.