Birmingham city leaders have warned the cases of a criminal court concerning public safety – news from YELLOWHAMMER

City leaders in Birmingham have caused serious concerns about the increasing lag of criminal courts, which leaves many families to wait years for justice. The delay of these cases was considered at the Birmingham Municipal Council meeting on Tuesday ABC33/40 Video report. Mayor Randal Woodfin and Birmingham Municipal Council chairman Darrell O’Couin have addressed the question, warning that delays in the judiciary influence public safety and prevent efforts from being responsible for abusers.

According to city officials, some court trials for the 10th Jefferson County County Court have taken as long as three to four years to reach the courtroom. Prolonged delays have disappointed the victims’ families and caused significant tension to the justice system. Both Woodfin and O’Quinn made it clear that this lag was beyond the control of the city, taking responsibility for civil servants to help ease the situation.

Mayor Udfin explained that discussions were being held to provide more resources than the lawmakers of the state in Montgomery. He stressed that without additional support, the backlog would only grow. One of the proposed solution is the implementation of a “rocket package”, a rapid tracking system designed to prioritize serious cases and to accelerate its progress through the courts. Another key recommendation is the appointment of at least two additional judges to focus solely on criminal cases in Jefferson County.

Woodfin acknowledged that reducing delays requires state actions, not just local. The mayor remains hope that continuing conversations with civil servants will lead to a meaningful change. However, he warned that until specific steps were taken, the families affected by these delays would continue to face insecurity and powerlessness for years to come.

Without immediate intervention, the lag of the criminal court will remain a significant challenge for Birmingham. City leaders continue to advocate for state aid, emphasizing that SWIFT actions are needed to ensure that justice is being served in a timely manner.