Montgomery County Circuit Judge Johnny Hardwick retired on Wednesday after serving over 20 years on the bench. His departure follows a prolonged recovery after he was allegedly attacked by his son last year.
Hardwick has presided as a Circuit Judge of Montgomery County’s Fifteenth Judicial Circuit since 2001.
The Montgomery native graduated from Alabama State University in 1973.
Hardwick announced his retirement in a speech at the Montgomery County Courthouse, where he was honored with his name over a conference room on the fourth floor of the courthouse.
Hardwick was left in critical condition in February 2024 after his son, Khalfani Ahmed Hardwick, allegedly shot him in the face and stabbed him in the face and neck multiple times. His son was charged with attempted murder.
Video of the elder Hardwick’s retirement speech shows a noticeable scar across his right eye and ear and slurred speech.
Khalfani Hardwick is currently held in federal custody for possessing a firearm as a felon. He has also been charged with first-degree domestic assault and attempted murder. According to court records, the state charges will only be prosecuted after the U.S. government concludes its case.
Khalfani Hardwick was initially charged with attempted murder in 2016 for allegedly shooting another man in the head. Hardwick pled guilty to a reduced second-degree assault, for which he received a suspended three-year sentence along with six-and-a-half months of time served and was ordered to pay $639 in court costs plus restitution.
Hardwick’s retirement was met with warm wishes from local agencies and his alma mater.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email [email protected].
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
