Posted by angieid (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 5:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

hmmm well we'll see

Posted by RITAL (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 6:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I THINK THAT JUDGES SHOULD HAVE THE SAME TERMS AS THE PRESIDENTS DO.HARDESTY SHOULD STEP DOWN AND LET SOMEONE NEW WITH DIFFERENT IDEAS HAVE THAT SEAT.I KNOW FROM FAMILY EXPERIENCES THAT EVERYONE DOES NOT GET THE FAIR SAME JUDGEMENT FOR THE EXACT SAME CRIMES UNDER THIS JUDGE.CHILTON COUNTY IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE

Posted by chiltoncopeach (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 6:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am glad to see some commenting on this issue, our county is in DIRE need of change, however, NOT just in the courts. We have county offices that also appear in court which in turn makes a difference. If one shows impropriety the other usually follows. So in turn this takes a county effort in order to clean it up and maintain it.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 7:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It definitely IS time for serious changes in the judiciary of our county, AND ciruit court. Hopefully we will be given a choice at the polls and can begin the changes that are WAY over-due around here. I hope that she doesn't run un-opposed. I also hope that Sibley has some opposition when his time comes. It's high time for a little fairness, maturity, humbleness, and less arrogance in our county courts. Hopefully, that will begin to change soon.. If you keep doing the same old thing, you will keep GETTING the same old thing Let's do something different--- if we are given a choice.

Posted by 1oldman (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 7:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I can not say about all cases, However, I know that I am familiar with some of her rulings, and they seemed fair enough. I do reconize the fact that she is hard in her belief that one should follow the law, and in the cases that I am aware of she did just that, without deveation. I can not argue with term limits, and I feel that its time for cleaning house from city to federal levels.

Posted by Travlr (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Fair,Impartial and faithful to the Rule of Law. Hmmm.....Ok, what ever!

Posted by chiltoncopeach (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 10:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Travlr: If you will notice she says she has "tried" to be fair and impartial...I can't argue with her there.

Posted by penandpaper1 (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

"tried to be fair" aint good enough. 6 out of 7 comments are against this person, doesnt that tell us something? I can hardly wait to read the fair justice blog behind this announcement! There has to be a better way, there has to be someone running against her and people you guys are on the right track. RITAL: you are right on target. The terms should be limited and its over due in this case.

Posted by DebMurphree (anonymous) on November 28, 2009 at 2:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, "trying to", and accomplishing something "fairly" are two different things. I'm so glad this post came out right now. it gave me the opportunity to tell you all about the Judicial Reform meeting we have in Autauga County on the 30th of this month (this coming Monday night at 7:00 pm)...downtown Prattville Bank Trust. This is concerning the 19th Judicial Circuit, and that entails Chilton County as well. (Autauga, Chilton, and Elmore Counties). Come voice your opinions PLEASE...There is nothing that Brandy and I would like better than to see some fairness and honesty in the judicial branch of government. So...if you are interested in Judicial Accountability...this is the meeting for YOU!

JUDICIAL REFORM MEETING
19TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF ALABAMA

November 30, 2009 7:00 pm

GUEST SPEAKER: Circuit Clerk, Whit Moncrief

Bank Trust, Downtown Branch, Prattville, Alabama
(148 East Main Street)

For More Info, Please call

Brandy Knight 1-205-389-4417
Debbie Murphree 1-334-358-7849

Or EMAIL

Brandy Knight BjkKnight@Bellsouth.net
Debbie Murphree DebMurphree2@Aol.com

Posted by holly (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 7:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this judge has done an outstanding job! I bet if we knew for sure, many of those wanting a "change" feel that way because they or some of their relatives or buddies have had a judgement against them or that did not go the way they had hoped. I feel that Judge Hardesty is fair, honest and upholds the law as all cost. This is not my opinion because I have gotten a judgement that I wanted...in fact, I have never been involved in a case. She continues to serve the public in a professional manner and I hope that she will remain in office for many years to come. Judge Hardesty, you have my vote!

Posted by holly (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 8:04 a.m. (Suggest removal)

From the looks of those who attended the last meeting at Goosepond, concerning the Circuit Court, it doesn't appear very many people are unhappy. I talked to someone who attended and they said not more than 20 attended and that would be stretching it. My understanding from this person is that this is all about a case where someone did not get the judgement they wanted. We've got to remember, being fair is not all about always having things go OUR way.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)

holly: I think that your admiration for the judge is causing you to make some unwarranted assumptions. I also have never had a case before either of these "judges", nor have any of my family or friends that I know of. It is NOT required to have had a case before these judges to have a knowledge of the way they behave in court, or their idea of fairness and equity under the law, or their revolving door policy for certain law-breakers.

Posted by chiltoncopeach (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

November162000: Deb and myself are the ones conducting the meetings and you are right on the money...I have only been before one judge here and it was not her or SGR and under this judge my CS case was dismissed for approx. one year before I even knew anything about it. I submitted a pro se motion for reinstatement and it was reinstated because of the LAW...You have hit this one right on the head November162000...

Holly: Theresa Connell (court staff) sent someone to the meeting, however, next time try to send someone who likes you and won't mention your name and why they are there. I LOVE how you state; "you got the judgment you WANTED." I can see why admire her so much.

Posted by chiltoncopeach (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Holly: Just hope you never are involved in a case either or your family. This is NOT just about one judge this is about our entire justice system. You do not have to agree with judicial reform, but please continue to bury your head in the sand. This is not for or about one person or anothers family, however, it is about keeping the community safe.

Posted by penandpaper1 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Holly: The beautiful thing about being about able to vote in America is so that people dont hog the system down with their bias opinions. Its great that the people get a chance to be heard by casting their votes. You like her then good, by all means vote the way you think is right. But since you have not been before her or followed any of her rulings that you can quote then in many people eyes, and a lot of those voices are being aired right here, your opinion adds up to 1 vote! Regardless of family members or whoever is before her for justice, they dont want to hear "tried"to be fair. If a judge can not be fair then why do we have to pay them? Deb & Chiltoncopeach: keep doing what you are doing! At least some people are speaking out against this issues!

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Deb and chiltoncopeach: You have a LOT more support in your endeavours than was evidenced at the gathering in October. I think that had there been more advanced notice of the meeting there would have been a much larger attendance. I would have been there myself but had already made other plans. Hopefully Judge Hardesty will have some opposition in the election and we will at least have a chance at making needed changes. I don't have anything personal against the judge, in fact I like her, but many changes need to be made and you have to start somewhere. Also, when Judge Reynold's gig is up I hope that someone will run against him so that we will have at least the chance of moving him out. I would be perfectly willing to vote for Mickey Mouse for Circuit Judge if he were to run against Sibley. At least Mickey wouldn't be arrogant in the court and he would apply the same fairness to everybody. As penandpaper1 said, keep doing what you are doing, your support will soon begin to grow. I applaud your efforts and determination to do what you believe is the right thing! I think it's the right thing, too.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kw: Safe travels! If I get out that way anytime soon I'll give you a call, we'll go have a prime rib and a cool one somewhere. Take care!

Posted by jsfpilot2b (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Can someone please tell me how to get more involved. I wasn't aware of a meeting in October..... I also support change.

Posted by DebMurphree (anonymous) on November 29, 2009 at 9:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

jsfpilot2b....come to the Judicial Reform meeting tomorrow night, in Autauga County (which is for the 19th Judicial Circuit which includes Chilton and Elmore Counties). Voice your opinions, and be heard. If you can't make it to the Autauga County meeting, we will be having one in Elmore County next, and then back to Chilton. Contact either myself, or Brandy Knight, with an email address, and we will notify you as we have meetings arise. We plan to become organized soon, but are just on the ground floor at the moment. NOW is the time to become involved!!!! Tell your friends and neighbors to come to Prattville tomorrow night (November 30). If anyone needs directions, please email me or Brandy, and we will be glad to furnish the directions. It's actually very easy to get to from Chilton. Go 31 South INTO Prattville. Take the 3rd light (RITE AID light) and turn right. Go DOWNTOWN to Prattville (will turn into Main Street). Bank Trust is downtown on the LEFT. You go through the driveway and come around to the back. We will be meeting in the back area. Coming from Elmore County, if you come into Prattville, on Cobbs Ford Road, you follow it straight into downtown Prattville. DO NOT TURN OFF. If you are coming into Prattville from Millbrook, on highway 14, you turn at the light in Prattville on Highway 31 (Memorial Drive). Turn LEFT. Go 2 lights and turn right at the Rite Aid light. Follow the above directions.

Posted by river1 (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 9 a.m. (Suggest removal)

GREAT JOB - DISTRICT COURT JUDGE RHONDA HARDESTY

Here is a thought and some advise for all of you people that think the Judicial System is being unfair to you.

Obey the laws as 99% of citizens do and that will keep you out of the courtroom and out of JAIL.

IF YOU BREAK THE LAW THEN YOU SHOULD GO TO JAIL – STOP CRYING AND TAKE YOU PUNISHMENT.

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

river1: I'm not sure if you are referring to me or not, but if you are let me share this with you. I have never had the occasion to be on either side of a case in the Judicial System, so your assertion that I think that it is unfair to me is groundless. I HAVE, however, been a juror for a couple of cases over the years, so I have seen one of our judges in action. I obey the laws AT LEAST as much as the average citizen. I even use turn signals EVERY time I change lanes or make a turn, do YOU? I think you can include me in your "99% of citizens". It is not necessary to have been a defendant or plaintiff to have a legitimate opinion as to whether the judges have out-served their usefulness.

I fully agree with the first half of your last sentence, provided of course that the broken law was one that requires a jail sentence, but having an oppinion is not "crying". Voicing an opinion about our public servants, to include judges, is not only our right as citizens but, I think, one of our responsibilities. I'm glad that you have done the same and that you think that all is just fine and dandy at the Chilton County Courthouse. Apparently you are easily satisfied.

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 11:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bottom line is that no matter who the judge is, not everyone will agree with what they do or don't do. Even if that was the people commenting on here. You simply can not please everyone.

We do have term limits. It is called voting a person out of office! But I do understand wanting set term limits for any politician.

The justice system has never been completely blind and it neveer will be. That said, I know Rhonda and Sibley both. I may not agree with every ruling they make but I respect the job they do. When you get down to it when you have a case in court, someone has to loose.

It is a known fact we will complain before we have something positive to say. People that are pleased are usually quite and people that are not, make the noise. My question is, who do you want to run and be elected?

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 12:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

southernpride: As I wrote earlier, Mickey Mouse would be just fine with me. Wiley Coyote and Goofey are already busy.

I doesn't matter who we would LIKE to see elected. Short of a write-in, we will only be given the choice of whomever decides to run.

kw: Thanks, apparently some of my rough edges have temporarily softened!

Posted by southernpride (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. (Suggest removal)

November,

I like that answer! It made me laugh. Thanks.

Seriously tho, Do you know of anyone that you would like to see run for the job?

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 1:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I know of two that I would like to see run, but I already know that they have no interest in running, so we will see who steps up. The lawyers that I know wouldn't want to take the pay cut involved in going from private practice to a judge's office, but I sure hope that we have a variety of qualified contestants to choose from. We will see.

Posted by tipsey (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 5:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

does anyone know who the person is that stole the credit cards and made several purchases and did not have to spend any prison time? that is a crime and a sin!!!! if rjh had been judge at that time, time would have been served

Posted by November162000 (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 8:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)

tipsey, or stoned? I guess it could be anybody's guess.

Posted by sadcountrysong (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 9:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

kwsrgraves & November162000: Your thoughts and comments are well articulated & it's obvious that you have educated opinions and I fully agree with them.

river1: I'm going to assume from your post that you aren't dead yet; a safe assumption, I think. But try to remember that you will be one day. Will you have an estate to be probated? In the event that there is a dispute, someone sues one of your heirs, or if the administrator performs negligently to the detriment of your heirs, do you know what the next course of action for them will be? If not, allow me to enlighten you. Bobby Martin (probate judge) will probate the will (if it's deemed that it should be). Then, when somebody's surprised about how that turned out, they'll probably sue. Finally, they'll get to be "roto-rootered", as I'll politely call it, by one of our "fair" judges. The attorney for your estate is being paid from the estate. The "heirs" who must defend what is rightfully theirs, has to pay their attorney out of their own pocket. Think about that for a moment. Your money will go to pay your lawyer to screw over your heirs.?. Now I ask you: would you want the outcome for that to be as "fair as possible". Let me guess, no. You'd want it to be more than fair; you'd want it to be fair. Period. I didn't have to break the law at all to be subjected to the Chilton County Courthouse sideshow. All I had to do was lose my father. My lawyer was well educated, well respected, and was the County Administrator for Jefferson County. In other words, she was qualified. She said there was no question that what the Administrator had done with the estate's funds was unethical and that she would very likely have to rectify her mistakes. Our "fair" judge, Ben Fuller, argued against the administrator the entire hearing. However, she and the attorney for the estate (translation: her lawyer) hung around in the courtroom after the hearing to have a little chat with Fuller. For those of you who don't know, that's called Ex Parte Communications and it's illegal, not to mention unethical. This is for obvious reasons. When we got Judge Fuller's order back, it was in the favor of the Administrator; whom he had just been arguing against. Yes, thank you Ben Fuller. Someone said in an earlier post that the outcome of a trial lasts a lifetime. That's absolutely true and we need to elect judges of substance; not crooked politicians like Ben Fuller. If you love Ben Fuller, honk your horn and tell him I said hi. Like or dislike, Chilton County is all about who you know and how much money you have and that needs to change.

Chiltoncopeach: If I had read these posts before now, I'd have seen you tonight. I'll be on the signup list to stay informed and I'll see ya at the next one!

Posted by KatherineReece (anonymous) on November 30, 2009 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Way back years ago, when my ex-husband was going on trial for his attack on me I was told the worst mistake he made (other than shooting me) was to hire an out of county lawyer. The person who told me it was a mistake was a Shelby County law officer, he said Chilton County was well known for "home cooking."

Apparently things haven't changed!

Posted by carol (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 6:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said kw. I'm in agreement with the majority of comments on here. We need change, and I mean change for the better!

Posted by angieid (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 8:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

well i havent decided yet to whether to cast my vote for rhonda hardesty. i do know that i am a victim of theft of property in the second degree and so is another family member . we are waiting for the grand jury to decide whether or not to indict him in feb. if the justice system in this county fails to do what is required by the code of alabama...i will definately take my case to the next level. I also am aware of a child custody case that should have already been settled that continues to be strung along nearly nine months now without any concrete reason or justifiable cause. judge hardesty doesnt seem to be treating the case fairly.... but she hasnt officially ruled one way or the other yet.

Posted by penandpaper1 (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HOME RUN TO; KW, NOV., SAD COUNTRY!!! Common Sense is a beautiful thing!

Posted by tipsey (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

just tipsey i dont smoke by the way graves you act like that comment was intended for you personally. is there something you need to confess to? and also by the way...i dont have any kids in "unique classes", im not old enough.

Posted by tipsey (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ahhh... correction one of my siblings has a child attending js, he must have made a comment on my pc, the so called distasteful comment was a fact that others did not agree with, MAIL FRAUD? like i said before, the comment was not intended for you, but thanks for the info, I really dont care about reading your postings, so dont amuse your self, however congradulations on your GREAT LIFE!!!!!

Posted by sadcountrysong (anonymous) on December 1, 2009 at 8:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you penandpaper1, kwsrgraves, and carol for your feedback on my comment. Your comments are appreciated. AND a HUGE thank you to chiltoncopeach and DebMurphree! I applaud their efforts and support them 110%. I won't just say that in this blog, I'll also show my support at the rallies. I hope each and every one of you will join them in their fight for reform. I know I will. Next rally is in Elmore Co. and I'll be there! To those of you who have tried to fight against them, your comments are not appreciated and are largely ignored. If you don't believe in the changes they're trying to implement, sit back and keep your mouth shut. Seriously. That's all you need to do to support your cause. Silence doesn't bring change; people do. It takes a big person to stand up for what's right in the midst of scrutiny, but a small person to keep quiet. You don't have to support them, but don't try to bring them down. Not only does it make you look bad, it's also a waste of your time because it won't work. If you haven't experienced injustice in this county first hand, consider yourself lucky. KEEP IT UP BRANDY AND DEBBIE! I APPLAUD AND APPRECIATE YOU! FORGET THE NEGATIVITY! IT'S ONLY THERE TO SLOW YOU DOWN.....DON'T LET IT!

Same goes for Tipsy. Let by gones be by gones. Everyone has their own cross to bare. Let's not make them any heavier. Our God is a forgiving one. He is the only one we have to answer to and, lucky for all of us, He is a forgiving God. Let's all try a little harder to treat other people how we'd like to be treated. If you don't have a happier, better tomorrow because of it....I'll give you a dollar :)