BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Former Lauderdale County Circuit Judge Gilbert Self was convicted on 17 counts, including 16 felonies and one misdemeanor, for using his office for personal gain, according to Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. After a three-week trial, a jury found the Republican judge guilty of misusing judicial funds to pay for personal vacations, conference fees for events he never attended, and personal items such as a couch, prescription eyeglasses, and alcohol. Self was also convicted of making false statements to state auditors and lying under oath before a county grand jury.
The charges include intentional use of public office for personal gain, a Class B felony punishable by two to twenty years in prison. Other convictions include Class C felonies for false statements and perjury, carrying sentences of one year and one day to ten years, plus a misdemeanor count related to the use of office funds.
Attorney General Marshall stated that this case underscores Alabama’s commitment to holding public officials accountable, emphasizing that public office is a “sacred trust.” The conviction sends a clear message about the enforcement of ethics laws in the state.
Self remains free on bond and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 17, 2025. The case has drawn attention to judicial accountability in Alabama as local communities demand integrity in public service.