AL SB31

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

Transfer is only permitted if the county district or circuit court offers such a program while the municipal court does not.

A transferred case becomes the exclusive jurisdiction of the district and circuit courts and is prosecuted under state law.

Both the municipal court and the defendant retain the right to object to the transfer; the case cannot be transferred if either party objects.

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