Alabama Code Title 45. Local Laws § 45-40-236

(a) In the courts of Lawrence County a subpoena requiring the attendance of a witness in any civil, criminal, or other case or proceeding, or before the grand jury, may be served by the sheriff personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness or in the discretion of the sheriff, the sheriff may serve the same by placing a copy thereof in the United States mail, enclosing the subpoena in an envelope properly stamped and addressed to the person or witness to be served. Upon service by the sheriff upon any witness or person by any one of the foregoing methods, the sheriff shall immediately mark the process executed in the manner so served. If the subpoena so mailed is not delivered to the addressee, but is returned to the sheriff by the United States Post Office Department, then the sheriff shall immediately make a diligent effort to serve the subpoena either personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness.

(b) Anything to the contrary notwithstanding in subsection (a), any judge of any of the courts of Lawrence County having jurisdiction of the proceeding or case, on motion of any party or on the court's own motion, may order any particular subpoena or the subpoenas in any case or proceeding to be served personally or by leaving a copy thereof at the place of residence of the witness or person or by United States registered or certified mail.