Ala. Code § 13A-6-161

Before the Attorney General commences any action under this article, the Attorney General may issue subpoenas to any person to appear and produce relevant papers, documents, and physical evidence, and administer an oath or affirmation to any person, in aid of any investigation or inquiry into possible violations of this article. The subpoenas shall be served in accordance with the appropriate Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure. Upon failure of a person without lawful excuse to obey such subpoena, the Attorney General may apply to a court of competent jurisdiction for an order compelling compliance. After an action is commenced, discovery may proceed in accordance with the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.