Lauderdale County Judge to Stand Trial on Felony Charges

Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gil Self is scheduled to stand trial in two weeks on a long list of felony charges. According to Shoals Insider, state prosecutors allege that Self used court funds to purchase a sofa, liquor, eyeglasses, guns, golf clubs, and other personal items — and even paid his son with public money after hiring him as a court clerk. Investigators also say Self reimbursed himself for vacations and trips by labeling them as “court-related travel.” The case has drawn widespread attention in the Shoals, as Self has served on the Lauderdale County bench for more than a decade. A state audit by the Alabama Examiners of Public Accounts uncovered more than $146,000 in questionable spending from two court accounts under Self’s control between 2020 and 2023. Prosecutors say the money came from local court fees and fines intended to support court operations, not personal expenses. Self faces 16 felony counts of using his office for personal gain, one count of lying to auditors, and one count of perjury. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team argues that Alabama’s ethics laws are vague and that some of the questioned purchases were legitimate court expenses. Self has reportedly repaid some of the funds, though prosecutors maintain that repayment does not erase the crimes. The trial is set to begin October 20 at 9 a.m. in Lauderdale County Circuit Court, with Judge Tim Jolley presiding. If convicted, Self could face up to 20 years in prison on each felony count, along with fines and removal from the bench. The case has raised serious concerns about public trust and oversight of judicial spending.