The Mobile County District Attorney's Office has launched a new docket to identify, prioritize and expedite prosecutions of repeat violent offenders.
In partnership with the 13th Judicial Circuit, District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced the specialized court docket, which is the first in the state. Blackwood said the idea came about after conversations revealing a recurring pattern involving repeat violent offenders.
"I'm grateful to Presiding Judge Pipes and Sheriff Burch for embracing this vision and working alongside us to make it a reality," Blackwood said. "This initiative represents more than a new court docket. It represents a shared commitment to continually improving the administration of justice because standing still is not an option. As crime evolves, the justice system must continue to evolve with it."
The docket is meant to improve how cases move through the criminal justice system, with the goal of bringing cases to trial within 12 months of arrest. It applies to defendants who were previously convicted of violent felonies and charged with committing another violent offense while on supervised release or within five years from incarceration.
"The challenges facing prosecutors today are far different than they were even a decade ago," Blackwood said. "Crime evolves. Technology evolves. The way we investigate and prosecute violent crime continues to evolve. Modern prosecution requires more than simply enforcing the law—it requires innovative thinking and a willingness to continually improve how the justice system serves victims, protects our communities, and holds violent offenders accountable. The Repeat Violent Offender Docket is one example of that commitment."
The initiative was implemented through an administrative order issued by presiding Judge Wesley Pipes of the 13th Judicial Circuit. Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Vicki Davis will oversee proceedings.
"This initiative isn't about creating new crimes or changing anyone's constitutional rights," Blackwood added. "Every defendant remains presumed innocent and is entitled to due process and a fair trial. What this changes is how these cases are managed. By improving coordination, reducing unnecessary delays, and focusing resources where they can have the greatest impact, we can better serve victims, support law enforcement, and strengthen public safety."
The Repeat Violent Offender Docket will take effect August 1.
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