Muscle Shoals, Alabama

Muscle Shoals Municipal Court

FUNCTIONS
The Muscle Shoals Municipal Court has jurisdiction over misdemeanors, traffic offenses, City Code violations as well as parking tickets that occur within the city limits or police jurisdiction of the City of Muscle Shoals. Court proceedings are usually held every Thursday at 2:00 p.m., unless the office is closed for a scheduled holiday.

When a person is arrested or summoned to court, a person may plead guilty or have a trial. All municipal court cases are tried without a jury. In some cases, a person may plead guilty before a Magistrate (or by mail/phone) without having to attend court. 

Information regarding citations that can be paid in advance may be obtained by calling the Municipal Court office at 256-386-9210. Our offices are located in City Hall at 2010 E. Avalon Avenue, Muscle Shoals, AL. Parking tickets may be paid in advance in the amount shown on the parking ticket; however, misdemeanor cases, certain traffic citations (DUI and driver’s license related), and city code violations require a court appearance. **Muscle Shoals Municipal Court cannot give legal advice.**

FINES, COURT COSTS, AND JAIL SENTENCING
Fines and court costs are set if the person charged enters a guilty plea or is found guilty after trial. Jail sentences are imposed at the discretion of the municipal judge, unless the law requires a mandatory jail sentence. Fines and court costs as well as jail sentences are set in accordance with the laws of the State of Alabama and the code of the City of Muscle Shoals.

FORMS OF PAYMENT
Payments for fines, court costs, and restitution can be made in person, over the phone, or by mail. NO PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE. Our office accepts the following forms of payments:

Cashier’s checks and money orders are the only accepted payments via mail. The cashier’s check or money order should be made out to “Muscle Shoals Municipal Court” or “City of Muscle Shoals” and addressed to P. O. Box 2624., Muscle Shoals, AL 35662. Payments must be received at least 24 hours in advance of your court date as we will not honor postmarked dates. Late payments are not accepted.

COURT ADMINISTRATION – JUDICIAL
Municipal Court Judge – Honorable Judge Bill Marthaler**
Court Clerk/Magistrate – Jennifer Thorp
Magistrate – Candace Treece 
City Prosecutor – Bethany Malone**

**The municipal court judge and prosecutor are part time and are only available during normal court proceedings

HOURS OF OPERATION/CONTACT INFORMATION

PROGRAMS OR CLASSES
Muscle Shoals Municipal Court offers the following classes or programs:

COMPLAINT FILING PROCEDURES
Individuals that wish to file a criminal complaint (charge) against another person should come to the Municipal Court Office during regular business hours or obtain an appointment with the Magistrate by phone. 

PLEASE NOTE: The information contained herein is subject to change as laws or ordinances change.