On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, FOX10 News reported that Lauderdale County Judge Gil Self, facing a criminal trial for ethics violations and perjury, has requested the dismissal of his 18-count indictment.
With his trial set for October 20, Self’s legal team filed a motion arguing the indictment is unconstitutionally vague and that Alabama’s rule of lenity favors resolving statutory ambiguity in his favor. Additionally, they claim the indictment does not sufficiently allege an offense with the required intent under the Alabama Ethics Act.
The charges stem from a state audit uncovering that Self spent approximately $150,000 of county funds on personal expenses, including alcohol, eyeglasses, a sofa, and hiring his son. Self has since repaid $146,000 and entered a not guilty plea.
The court has yet to rule on the dismissal motion, and the trial date remains unchanged.
Source: FOX10 News
