Alabama: judge questions felony charges against Worley
The Birmingham News reports: The circuit judge who will preside over the trial of former Alabama Secretary of State Nancy Worley questioned Monday whether she should face felony charges.
Montgomery County Circuit Judge Truman Hobbs Jr. said the law that Attorney General Troy King's office is using to bring felony charges against Worley is vague and overbroad.
"I'm real worried that this statute ... potentially criminalizes a lot of everyday conduct that happens all over the country," Hobbs said in a pre-trial meeting with defense attorneys and prosecutors. ...
The felony charges stem from another part of the same section of law, which says, "No person shall attempt to use his or her official authority or position for the purpose of influencing the vote or political action of any person." A violation is punishable by a $10,000 fine and two years in prison.
Hobbs said that under the section, a state official could face a misdemeanor charge for asking a subordinate for a $50,000 campaign contribution but face a felony charge for asking someone to put up a yard sign. -- Judge questions Worley charges- al.com