Ex Parte Lawson

Rebecka Lawson was convicted in the Municipal Court of Tuscumbia of driving under the influence. Pursuant to Ala. Code 1975, § 12-14-70, she appealed to the circuit court. Neither she nor her attorney was present when her case was called for trial in circuit court, and that court dismissed her appeal. Pursuant to § 12-14-70(f), Lawson filed several motions to reinstate her appeal, and all those motions were denied. Lawson petitioned for a writ of mandamus to direct the trial court to reinstate the appeal; she also appealed to the Court of Criminal Appeals, which affirmed the trial court's…