Ala. Code § 9-12-1

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, no person shall be considered a resident of this state, within the meaning of the term used in this chapter, who does not at the time reside in and who shall not have resided in this state for 12 months next preceding the time when any offense with which he is charged may have been committed; and, in all questions arising as to residence under this chapter, the burden of proof shall rest on the defendant.