Judge denies new trial, resentencing for former Lauderdale Co. judge Gil Self

LAUDERDALE CO., Ala. (WAFF) - A judge denied three motions filed in the case of former Lauderdale County Judge Gil Self, rejecting requests for a new trial, a new sentencing hearing and suspension of court rules.

Self’s new attorney filed a motion to suspend the rules as a precautionary measure. The court denied the motion but stated that the record could be supplemented with trial information if necessary.

Self’s attorney argued the statute under which Self was convicted is too vague, making it difficult to prove intent when the law is unclear. The attorney said jurors cannot determine intent when the offense itself is not clearly defined.

The judge said the vagueness argument had been raised from the beginning of the case.

The state responded that the statute is not vague and that the items Self was charged with receiving are clearly described as personal gain items. Prosecutors pointed to the extensive list of items Self bought or paid for.

Self’s attorney said the statute gives judges discretion and argued judges don’t stop working when they leave the courthouse.

“Why have an audit if we can’t learn and correct what is found in that audit,” Self’s attorney Charlie Bottoms said.

Self’s attorney argued the sentence is grossly disproportionate to similar cases nationwide and violates the Eighth Amendment.

The attorney said when he searched online for the largest sentence received by a judge, Self’s picture appeared. He noted Self has no criminal record and paid the money back.

The state said the sentence follows legislative guidelines for Class B felonies, which carry sentences of 2-20 years. Prosecutors said Self’s sentences for each count are on the lower end of that range and emphasized the breach of public trust. The state noted that with good time and parole eligibility, Self will likely serve less time.

The judges said he put considerable thought into the sentencing and lost sleep over it. He said he based his decision on the law and the facts.

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