GLENCOE MUNICIPAL COURT
James M. Shelnutt
The Presiding Judge for the City of Glencoe is James M. Shelnutt. Judge Shelnutt is a graduate of Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in Birmingham. While in law school, Judge Shelnutt earned a position on the Cumberland Law Review and was later promoted to the position of Assistant Editor of the Cumberland Law Review. Judge Shelnutt was also heavily involved in trial competitions and was the recipient of academic scholarships, including the Jerry Beasley Trial Advocacy Scholarship.
Judge Shelnutt’s duties as Municipal Judge include hearing
and presiding over all criminal cases brought before the Municipal Court,
issuance of search warrants, issuance of arrest warrants and the overall
administration of the Municipal Court. Because most Municipal Judgeships in
Alabama, including Glencoe, are not full time positions, Judge Shelnutt is also
engaged in the full-time private practice of law and is the founding and
managing Attorney of the Shelnutt Law Firm, P.C., which is a sizeable and
respected law practice located in Gadsden, Alabama. Mr. Shelnutt’s primary areas
of practice include criminal defense, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death,
social security and worker’s compensation.
In addition to his own practice, Judge Shelnutt has other extensive experience
in the area of criminal law. Judge Shelnutt has previously worked prosecuting
Municipal Court cases in another municipality and, prior to becoming an
Attorney, served as a police officer just outside of Atlanta in various roles,
including Major Case Detective, Police Instructor, Field Training Officer, SWAT
Officer, Uniform Patrol Division and Motor Vehicle Accident Investigations.
Judge Shelnutt is also active in the community where he volunteers heavily in youth sports and other civic activities.