AL SB136

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

Transfer is only permitted when the county district or circuit court offers the qualifying program 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 the defendant retain the right to object to any transfer, and the case cannot be transferred if either party objects.

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