HB571 Summary

• Amends Section 45-42-81.01 of the Alabama Code to establish a solicitor's fee in all criminal cases arising within Limestone County's geographic boundaries, whether originating in municipal or county courts.

• Sets the solicitor's fee amount equal to docket fees and court costs assessed upon adjudication of guilt in criminal cases and distributed to the Fair Trial Tax Fund, with a minimum floor of Fair Trial Tax Fund docket fees.

• Distributes collected fees monthly with $3 per case going to circuit or municipal court clerks (depending on case origin and disposition), and the remainder to Limestone County's Solicitor's Fund, District Attorney's Fund, or successor fund.

• Allows the solicitor's fee to be collected in all criminal cases where a defendant is adjudged guilty, a bond is forfeited, a penalty is imposed, or an arrest warrant is issued, except when the defendant proves inability to pay to the sentencing judge's satisfaction.

• Permits the district attorney to expend solicitor's fees for payment of law enforcement expenses and legitimate law enforcement purposes; takes effect immediately upon passage and approval.