J.M.R. v. County of Talladega

ALMON, Justice.

J.M.R. appeals from the dismissal of his action requesting declaratory relief and seeking damages pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 1983. His complaint asserts that § 15-23-17(b), Ala.Code 1975, which, at the pertinent time, authorized 'victim compensation assessments only in felony and misdemeanor cases, was not applicable to adjudications under the Youthful Offender Act, § 15-19-1 et seq., Ala.Code 1975.

In 1994, J.M.R. was afforded youthful offender status on a criminal charge against him. Pursuant to a negotiated plea, he paid a $25.00 victim compensation assessment. At that time, §…