About Me
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Tray Richardson was born and raised in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he learned the value of hard work early while helping in his family’s construction business. He earned a degree in Wildlife Science from Auburn University and went on to serve as a Game Warden for the State of Georgia. In that role, he enforced state and federal wildlife laws, conducted search and rescue operations, and assisted federal agencies—including the Secret Service during the G8 Summit.
In 2007, Tray returned to Alabama to pursue his law degree at Faulkner University’s Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, where he graduated magna cum laude. During law school, he interned at the State of Alabama Attorney General’s Office, gaining valuable experience in public service and legal advocacy. After passing the bar, he began practicing law in Montgomery, handling a broad range of cases including criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. He later joined the Montgomery County Public Defender’s Office, where he rose to the role of Lead Trial Attorney.
Over the last decade, Tray has practiced extensively in the Elmore County courtroom, representing clients in serious criminal cases—including capital murder—across the region. His deep, hands-on experience has given him a thorough understanding of how courts function and the day-to-day intricacies of courtroom operations. He now runs his own law practice in Wetumpka, focusing on criminal defense.
Tray is a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Malia—a recent lymphoma survivor—and they have been married for 22 years. Together, they are proud parents to their two children, Emmy (13) and Thomas (10), and share their home with their loyal dogs, Peter and Douglas. In his downtime, Tray enjoys hunting, fishing, and just about anything outdoors with family and friends.
With a background that spans both law enforcement and legal advocacy, Tray brings a balanced, real-world perspective to the bench. He is a lifelong conservative, a committed Christian, and a staunch defender of constitutional rights. Deeply invested in the success and integrity of Elmore County and the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit, Tray has the experience, insight, and dedication needed to serve as a fair and effective judge.
What is District Court?
What does a District Judge do?
What does a District Judge do?
District Court in Alabama is a lower-level trial court that handles certain types of legal cases quickly and efficiently, without a jury. Here’s what it does:
Key Functions of Alabama District Courts:
- Criminal Cases: Handle misdemeanor offenses and preliminary hearings for felony charges.
- Juvenile Cases: Deal with matters involving minors, including delinquency and child protection (in most counties).
- Civil Cases: Hear civil lawsuits involving smaller amounts of money.
- Exclusive jurisdiction for cases involving $6,000 or less.
- Shared jurisdiction with Circuit Court for cases between $6,001 and $20,000.
- Traffic Violations: Often handle tickets and minor driving offenses.
Differences from Circuit Court:
- No jury trials in District Court—judges decide the cases.
- District Court is often the first step in the legal process for many criminal and civil matters.
In short, Alabama’s District Courts are designed to handle everyday legal issues efficiently and fairly.
What does a District Judge do?
What does a District Judge do?
What does a District Judge do?
In Alabama, a District Court Judge:
- Handles misdemeanor criminal cases (less serious crimes like theft or DUI).
- Conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases (more serious crimes).
- Oversees juvenile cases, like those involving minors, in some districts.
- Decides civil cases involving smaller amounts of money (usually up to $20,000).
- Handles traffic violations and small claims.
They play a key role in making sure the legal process starts fairly and efficiently, especially in cases that don’t need to go to higher courts.