Municipal Court

Municipal Judge:
Takisha Gholston

Department Phone:
(256) 341-4676

Municipal Court – Annex Phone:
(256) 341-4590

Department Fax:
(256) 341-4677

Municipal Court Administrator:
Jessica Hayes

Assistant Court Administrator:
Carla Kirkham

Court Programs Supervisor:
Tony Bolan

Municipal Court Address:
402 Lee Street NE
Second Floor
Decatur, AL 35601

Municipal Court Hours:
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Monday – Friday

Municipal Court – Annex Address:
300 Cain Street NE
Decatur, AL 35601

Municipal Court – Annex Hours:
8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Closed from 11:30  – 12:30
Monday – Friday

Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 488
Decatur, AL 35602

Cases are set for the person charged to appear in Court. By law, the only exception to a mandatory court appearance are parking tickets or traffic tickets on the “Magistrate’s Schedule” which are paid in advance of the date given. Contact the Municipal Court Office at (256) 341-4676 to determine which tickets may be paid in advance if a trial is not desired. The person charged will be given a court date at the time a ticket is issued or at the time the defendant posts bond.

Functions / Responsibilities:

The Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic offenses, City Code violations and parking tickets occurring within the city limits or the police jurisdiction of the City of Decatur. Once charged, a person may plead guilty or have a trial. The cases are tried without a jury.

Fines and Court Costs:

Fines and court costs are set if the person charged enters a guilty plea or is found guilty after trial. Fines and court costs are set in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama and the code of the City of Decatur.

• A list of traffic tickets in which a person may plead guilty before a Magistrate (or by mail) without having to attend court is posted in the Municipal Court Office. Further information regarding tickets that may be paid in advance may be obtained by calling the Municipal Court Office at (256) 341-4676.
• Parking tickets may be paid in advance in the amount shown on the parking ticket.
• Payments for fines, court costs and restitution should be made by cash or by bank certified check or money order payable to the City or Decatur.

Jail Sentences:

Jail sentences are imposed in the discretion of the Court, unless the law requires a mandatory jail sentence. Jail sentences are set in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama and the code of the City of Decatur.

Complaint Filing Procedures:

Those that wish to file a criminal complaint (charge) against another person should come to the Municipal Court Office during regular business hours to obtain an appointment with a Magistrate. In the event of an emergency, the Police Department may contact a Magistrate for immediate assistance in filing of a complaint and obtaining a warrant.

For more information contact the municipal court clerk at (256) 341-4676. PLEASE NOTE: The information contained herein is subject to change as laws or ordinances change.