|
|
|
|
Montgomery Advertiser Scheduling the docket in Autauga County district court promises to be a challenge until a new judge is appointed. District Judge Phillip Wood officially retired Thursday after serving 26 years on the bench. On Monday, Wood will become judge of the county's newly formed drug court, which is designed to keep nonviolent drug offenders out of prison. The wheels of justice will continue to grind in district court, with small claims cases set for Tuesday and traffic and district criminal court next week. Three district judges -- Glenn Goggans of Elmore County, Theresa Daniel of Bullock County and Jimmy Pool of Montgomery County -- have volunteered to help out in Autauga County, but those judges also have schedules set months in advance, said Circuit Clerk Whit Moncrief. "It's going to be interesting, that's for sure," Moncrief said. "We don't want to have to reschedule any court dates here since those dates were set weeks ago. It's great that the other judges are helping, but they have duties in their home counties that have to take priority." Wood also has agreed to take on a few court days, but with his new position as drug court judge, his time also will be limited. District judges preside at the county level. They handle misdemeanor criminal cases, serve as first appearance judges, set bond for defendants facing felony and misdemeanor charges, and handle juvenile and traffic court cases as well as small claims civil cases. The governor's office will appoint a judge to replace Wood until the next election cycle. Primary elections take place in June. Todd Stacy, press secretary for Gov. Bob Riley, didn't return phone calls placed Tuesday and Wednesday to get an update on the appointment process. Stacey was out of the office Thursday, and a call placed to the governor's press office on the matter wasn't returned. Local court officials are expecting a long wait for the new judge. Goggans has sent Moncrief's office a schedule through February showing when he can handle cases. "I'm familiar with the county and how the courthouse operates," said Goggans, who served as an assistant district attorney in Autauga County before being appointed to the bench in neighboring Elmore County. "Autauga County needs its own district judge as soon as possible. Using judges from other districts isn't the best situation, but we'll do the best we can." Work has grown for Autauga's district judge. Wood said his first year in office saw about 3,500 cases filed. Courthouse records show that number at more than 17,000 for 2009. A rotation system of jurists means there will be some sputters along the way, said District Attorney Randall Houston. "Each judge has their own way of doing things," he said. "My office and attorneys who practice in Prattville have learned to anticipate what the judge will ask for or require. That makes things go more smoothly. Obviously we are familiar with Judge Goggans. But we will have to get to know Judge Daniel and Judge Pool, and they will have to get to know us. I predict a lot of long days at the courthouse." |
||
|
Back |
||