FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2026
MOBILE, Alabama – The Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit, today launched Alabama’s first dedicated Repeat Violent Offender Docket, a specialized court docket designed to identify, prioritize, and expedite the prosecution of the county’s most dangerous repeat violent offenders.
The specialized docket reflects Blackwood’s continued commitment to modernizing prosecution through innovative solutions that strengthen public safety and improve the administration of justice.
The Repeat Violent Offender Docket which takes effect August 1, 2026, grew out of discussions initiated by Blackwood after prosecutors identified a recurring pattern involving repeat violent offenders and opportunities to improve the way those cases move through the criminal justice system. The initiative was implemented through an administrative order issued by Presiding Judge Wesley Pipes of the 13th Judicial Circuit.
“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 Repeat Violent Offender Docket applies to defendants who have previously been convicted of specified violent felonies and are subsequently charged with committing another qualifying violent offense while on supervised release or within five years of release from incarceration.
Under the new docket, qualifying cases will be assigned to Mobile County Circuit Court Judge Vicki Davis, allowing a single judge to oversee all related proceedings from beginning to end. Related matters—including probation revocations, pending criminal charges, and qualifying co-defendant cases may also be consolidated to ensure greater coordination, consistency, and efficiency.
The administrative order establishes procedures intended to move qualifying cases as expeditiously as possible, with the goal of bringing eligible cases to trial within twelve months of arrest.
“This initiative isn’t about creating new crimes or changing anyone’s constitutional rights,” Blackwood said. “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.”
Blackwood said the Repeat Violent Offender Docket reflects his administration’s broader philosophy that the criminal justice system must continually evolve to meet modern public safety challenges.
“When I took office, one of my priorities was building stronger partnerships throughout our criminal justice system,” Blackwood said. “Real progress happens when prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, and court personnel stop working in silos and start solving problems together. This initiative is the product of that collaboration. We identified a challenge, developed a solution, and together we’re putting that solution into practice.”
Blackwood thanked Presiding Judge Wesley Pipes and Sheriff Paul Burch for their partnership in bringing the initiative to fruition. Through the collaboration, the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office will provide law enforcement personnel as needed to help move these cases efficiently through the court system.
“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 Repeat Violent Offender Docket takes effect August 1, 2026.