Will Gil Self Take a Plea on Tuesday...or Ever?

 

In March, a pre-trial hearing was scheduled for June 3rd for Circuit Judge Gilbert P. Self. This is hardly unusual. One of the judge's critics is not happy that the presiding judge Tim Jolley instructed the attorneys in the case to work out a settlement to be presented at this time. That's hardly unusual either. Jolley has stated that if Self doesn't take whatever settlement that has been wheedled out, he will not allow a later plea from the Lauderdale judge. In other words, it's either the June 3rd settlement or a nasty court battle over kitty litter, among other strange expenses.

If you're unfamiliar with the shenanigans involved, here's a rundown:

Judge Gilbert P. Self has been a prominent figure in Lauderdale County's legal landscape for over a decade, serving as a Circuit Judge in the 11th Judicial Circuit of Alabama. His tenure, which began with a gubernatorial appointment, has seen him preside over a range of cases. However, his career has recently been overshadowed by a significant legal challenge involving multiple felony charges.

Born and raised in Alabama, Judge Self is an alumnus of Auburn University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in 1985. He then pursued his legal education at Samford University's Cumberland School of Law, obtaining his Juris Doctor in 1988. Prior to his judicial career, Self was engaged in private practice with the firm Self, Smith, & Burdine.

His transition to the judiciary occurred in 2009 when then-Governor Bob Riley appointed him to fill a vacancy on the 11th Circuit Court. Judge Self subsequently won a full six-year term in the 2010 general election, running as a Democrat. He was later re-elected in 2016, this time as a Republican, and ran unopposed.

Throughout his time on the bench, Judge Self has handled a variety of civil and criminal matters that come before the Circuit Court. As Presiding Judge of the Eleventh Judicial Circuit since April 2020, he also had administrative responsibilities for the local court system.

However, in January 2024, Judge Self faced a turning point in his career when he was indicted on multiple felony charges. The indictment, brought forth by the Alabama Attorney General's Office, includes allegations of using his office for personal gain, making false representations to state auditors, and perjury.

The charges stem from an audit of the Lauderdale County Presiding Judge's Judicial Administration Fund and the Law Library Fund. Investigators allege that between April 2020 and February 2023, Judge Self misused public funds for personal expenses, including travel, a sofa, alcoholic beverages, and eyeglasses. He is also accused of using over $50,000 of public funds to employ his son.

In response to the allegations, Judge Self has acknowledged that "honest but correctable mistakes" were made in the accounts he managed, particularly during the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic and while the court system was understaffed. He has stated that he never intended to violate any law and that Lauderdale County is not out any money, with the funds in question reportedly remaining in the accounts or having been repaid. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Alabama Supreme Court appointed retired Marshall County Circuit Judge Tim Jolley to preside over Judge Self's case to avoid any potential conflicts of interest. A pre-trial conference and a potential settlement hearing have been subjects of ongoing legal proceedings.

The developments surrounding Judge Self's indictment have sent ripples through the Alabama legal community and are being closely watched in Lauderdale County. The case highlights the scrutiny faced by public officials and the legal processes in place to address allegations of misconduct. As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on the resolution of these serious charges against a long-serving member of the Alabama judiciary.

As the day of reckoning approaches, Self's critic has opined: Is this plea deal allowing him to walk?? He admitted to guilt and lied to grand jury. Him paying the money back is irrelevant. Lauderdale County should be aware of this happening Tuesday June 3, 2025. Judge Jolley needs to uphold the law. You agree?

Our take? Self would be extremely foolish not to take whatever plea is offered. Surely he doesn't want to risk facing a jury possibly composed of 12 individuals who feel as our reader does.