Ala. Code § 12-21-248
Where a conditional judgment has been entered against a defaulting witness in a criminal case, if he does not appear before the docket then in process of being heard is completed and show a sufficient cause for his default, a notice must be issued by the clerk of the court within 30 days notifying him of the entry of such conditional judgment and that the same will be made absolute at the expiration of 30 days from the date of service of said notice unless he appears and shows sufficient excuse for his default, which notice must be served by the sheriff and return thereof made to the clerk. If he fails to appear as required or fails to show sufficient excuse for his default, to be determined by the court, the judgment must be made absolute against him.
Ala. Code § 12-21-248 (1975)