Ex Parte Young

The issue in this case is whether a new complaint must be filed in the circuit court when an appeal is taken from the district court in order for the circuit court to have jurisdiction.

Sue Tidmore Young was convicted in the Hokes Bluff Municipal Court of driving under the influence of alcohol ("DUI"). She appealed to the circuit court for a trial de novo. In response, the prosecuting authority, the City of Hokes Bluff, filed a transcript of the municipal court proceedings. The transcript contained the uniform traffic ticket and complaint ("U.T.T.C.").

Young moved to dismiss the prosecution on…