City of Gadsden v. Lawder

MONROE, Judge.

The city of Gadsden prosecuted Layne K. Lawder for plumbing without a license in violation of a Gadsden city ordinance. The municipal court convicted Lawder of the charge. However, Lawder appealed to the Etowah Circuit Court, and a jury returned a verdict of not guilty. Lawder then filed a malicious prosecution and fraud action against the city and Brent Brewer, the city’s plumbing inspector. A jury returned a verdict in favor of Lawder and against Brewer on the malicious prosecution claim and *710against both the city and Brewer on the fraud claim. The jury awarded $20,000…