On Monday, October 27, 2025, Yellowhammer News reported that suspended Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gil Self is facing trial in the same Florence courtroom where he once presided. Self, who has been inactive since his suspension in 2024, is accused of 16 felony counts related to misuse of his office for personal gain.

The trial commenced this week at the Lauderdale County courthouse, where Self now sits as the defendant. The charges stem from an indictment by a Lauderdale County grand jury in 2024, following an investigation conducted by the Alabama Attorney General’s Office and the State Examiners of Public Accounts.

The allegations against Self involve the misuse of over $140,000 in county funds for personal expenses. These expenses reportedly include alcohol, firearms, furniture, and payments that benefited his family members. The indictment also includes counts of perjury and making false statements to state auditors during their review of court expenditures.

Last week, the prosecution and defense attorneys vetted a large jury pool of over 200 citizens. The unusually large venire was summoned due to Self’s prominence in the community. Through the striking process, the attorneys selected twelve jurors and four alternates.

Despite his suspension, Self has continued to receive his salary, estimated to total over $300,000, as mandated by law. The total salary he has received during his suspension is approximately double the amount of funds in question in the indictments.

The trial proceeds after failed plea bargain negotiations. It is believed that Self has repaid the funds, and his legal team has filed motions to dismiss the charges, arguing that the distinction between personal and official expenses may be ambiguous.

If convicted on all counts, Self could face up to 20 years in prison and a $30,000 fine for each of the 16 counts.

Retired Marshall County Circuit Judge Tim Jolley has been appointed to preside over the case.

The proceedings are expected to draw significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the defendant and the allegations against him. The outcome of the trial will determine Self’s future and could set a precedent for accountability among elected officials in the state.

 

 

Source: Yellowhammer News