AL SB294

Presiding judge of a circuit may voluntarily transfer a municipal court case to district court after consulting with the district attorney if defendant qualifies for pretrial diversion, mental health court, drug court, veteran court, or similar program.

Transfer is only permitted when the county district or circuit court offers one of these programs but the municipal court does not.

Transferred cases become exclusive jurisdiction of district and circuit courts and are prosecuted under state law charged by the municipality.

Both the municipal court and defendant retain the right to object to the transfer, and objection prevents the case from being transferred.

Act becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.