Prominent Alabama Lawyer and Former State Senator Removed from Indigent Defense List in Two Counties

A prominent lawyer from east Alabama and former state senator, Doug Ghee, has been removed from the list of attorneys eligible for state court appointments in indigent defense cases. The decision was made by Seventh Judicial Circuit Court Presiding Judge Shannon Page through an administrative order.

The ruling affects cases in Calhoun and Cleburne counties, where Ghee, 78, has been a well-known figure in the legal community for decades. The order specifies that Ghee will no longer be assigned to represent indigent defendants in these counties. However, the restriction does not apply to cases where Ghee is privately retained by clients.

The administrative order also permits judges to recuse themselves from any cases currently involving Ghee. So far, four judges—Judge Page, Judge Jennifer Weems, Judge Tom Wright, and Judge Tim Burgess—have chosen to withdraw from all cases involving Ghee.

While the order does not provide a reason for Ghee’s removal, it was issued in late July. Judge Page has stated that he cannot discuss the details of the situation at this time.

Coincidentally, around the same time, Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade confirmed that an investigation is underway concerning an alleged incident at the Calhoun County Jail. The incident reportedly involves an attorney and a female inmate. Sheriff Wade declined to identify the attorney in question but stated that the investigation is being conducted by both the sheriff's office and the Alabama Attorney General's Office.

"As sheriff, I am committed to uncovering the truth and pursuing justice," Wade said. "Until the investigation is completed, we are unable to discuss the circumstances further."

Ghee, who began his legal career in 1975 and served in the Alabama Legislature from 1990 to 1998, did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the judge’s order.