Selma Municipal Court makes special arrangements for Jubilee arrests

Selma’s Municipal Court made special arrangements for citizens arrested for misdemeanors during the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee weekend, the court said in a statement Monday.

Six defendants who were arrested during the Jubilee March 7 and 8 for misdemeanors including harassment, public intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest received cash bonds only. Defendants who couldn’t pay the cash bond were scheduled for their first appearance before the judge on Monday morning.

The municipal court handles traffic citations and misdemeanor offenses. Misdemeanor offenses range from Class A to Class C and are punishable by up to one year in the county jail. Defendants can be released until their trial on bond paid in cash, covered by a bail bondsman for a fee or secured by property like a car or house.

Cash bonds range from $500 for a Class A misdemeanor to $300 for a Class C.

In addition to the six misdemeanor arrests, Selma police dealt with two shootings over the weekend. The Friday shooting took place on Alabama Avenue and a Saturday shooting happened near the vendors at Riverfront Amphitheater. There were injuries but no deaths. 

"Jubilee weekend is one of the most important moments for our city," Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III said in a statement. "While the overwhelming majority of the weekend was peaceful and inspiring, the incidents of gun violence that occurred was deeply troubling and unacceptable."

The municipal court celebrated Jubilee with a warrant clinic that gave residents a way to appear before the court to resolve outstanding warrants and cases without fear of immediate arrest.

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“The goal of the municipal court is to ensure justice is administered fairly while also providing residents with a clear path to resolve their obligations,” Presiding Judge Brandon J. Wooten said. “The success of the warrant clinic demonstrates that when we create opportunities for individuals to come forward and address their cases, many are eager to do so. These efforts allow the court to resolve cases efficiently while helping individuals move forward with dignity and accountability.”

The municipal court’s ongoing amnesty programs help individuals with outstanding fines, warrants or failure-to-appear cases. The amnesty program offers a 40% reduction in outstanding balances for adjudicated fines, fees and costs from 2018 or earlier. Non-adjudicated, victimless offenses occurring between 2012 and Dec. 31, 2018 will be dismissed upon payment of court costs. Victimless offenses that occurred before 2012 will be discontinued.

These initiatives have significantly improved case management efficiency and reduced the backlog of unresolved cases, Wooten said.

Moss commended the Municipal Court for its leadership and community-focused approach.

“The Municipal Court’s warrant clinic and amnesty efforts demonstrate how we can maintain public safety while also giving residents the opportunity to resolve outstanding issues and move forward,” Moss said. “We commend Judge Wooten, Judge McGuire, Chief Magistrate Livingston and the entire municipal court staff for their dedication to improving court efficiency and supporting our community.”

Residents with outstanding warrants or unresolved municipal court matters are encouraged to contact the Selma Municipal Court Clerk’s Office for information on available options and upcoming amnesty opportunities.