§36-11-25. Proceedings where defendant has removed, absconded, or secreted himself.

If, in any case of proceedings for impeachment or removal from office under this chapter, the defendant has removed, absconded or secreted himself so that the summons cannot be served on him personally, the sheriff or other officer to whom the summons is issued shall serve the same by leaving a copy thereof at the office of the defendant, if known, or at his last place of residence; and the sheriff shall forthwith publish in some newspaper published in the county or, if no newspaper is published in the county, in the newspaper published nearest thereto a copy of the summons and notice to the defendant where a copy thereof has been left for him. The sheriff shall make return of the summons as in other cases, stating the facts, and such service shall be as valid to all intents and purposes as personal service on the defendant; and, if the defendant fails to appear pursuant to the summons, whether served personally or as provided by this section, the court shall cause the plea of not guilty to be entered for him and the trial shall proceed as in other cases.

(Code 1876, §4070; Code 1886, §4841; Code 1896, §4888; Code 1907, §7126; Code 1923, §4521; Code 1940, T. 41, §202.)