If you are looking for contact information for Gulf Shores Municipal Court, scroll down towards the bottom of this page.
If you have been arrested and have a court date in Gulf Shores, you may be wondering if you need to hire an attorney.
It depends upon what you were arrested for. If you have a simple traffic violation, like simple speeding, failing to stop at a stop sign or etc., then perhaps not.
However, if you are charged with a DUI, Possession of Marijuana 2nd, Domestic Violence 3rd, Assault 3rd, Harrassment, Menacing or another serious misdemeanor, even Reckless Driving (depending upon your driving history), then you should have an attorney when you go to court. All of these offenses can result in you being placed in jail if you are convicted. Also, even if you are not placed in jail, a conviction for some of these offenses can have consequences far after the case has concluded.
For example, a conviction for Domestic Violence can prevent you from legally owning a fire arm. If you ever face a custody fight for your children, a conviction for Domestic Violence can create a presumption that it is not in your children's best interest to be placed in your custody. If you are convicted of Possession of Marijuana, you will lose your drivers license for 180 days. If you are ever charged with Possession of Marijuana after having already been convicted once, it will likely be charged as a felony possession charge. A conviction for any of the offenses listed above can affect your employment opportunities in the future. The cost of an attorney is very minor when compared to the consequences of a conviction. Even if you feel you are guilty of the offense you are charged with, sometimes an attorney can negotiate a deal where you will never be adjudicated or convicted in the case. An attorney can often obtain more information about the case and why you were charged a particular way. In any event, it is important to have a competent and aggressive attorney to help protect your rights.
If you have already went to court, you have 14 days to appeal your case to Circuit Court, where the trial can be redone in front of a jury of your peers.
Please call (251) 964-7774 to schedule a free consultation so that we discuss your case.
Gulf Shores Municipal Court
1502 Hwy 98
Daphne, AL 36526
251-621-2824 phone
251-621-3192 fax
JUDGE: Walter B. Chandler
PROSECUTOR: Frank Hollon
COURT CLERK: Kenneth B. McKenzie
MAGISTRATE: Natasha N. Touchstone
MAGISTRATE: Julie Jones
Gulf Shores Municipal Court holds arraignments on the 1st Thursday and trial on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 3:30.