HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — An Alabama girl accused of falsely telling police she was kidnapped after stopping to test on a toddler wandering alongside the freeway is interesting her municipal courtroom conviction in an effort to keep away from a yearlong jail sentence sought by prosecutors.

A municipal decide on Wednesday discovered Carlee Russell, 26, responsible of misdemeanor fees of false reporting to legislation enforcement and falsely reporting an incident. The responsible judgement got here after Russell’s attorneys agreed to “stipulate and appeal” the case — a authorized maneuver to maneuver the case to circuit courtroom the place proceedings will begin anew.

Russell’s summer time disappearance — and her story of being kidnapped after stopping her automobile to test on the kid — captivated the nation earlier than police known as it a hoax.

Flanked by her household and attorneys, Russell made her first courtroom look Wednesday amid a heavy media presence, information retailers reported.

Defense lawyer Richard Jaffe mentioned in a phone interview they don’t assume jail time is acceptable. He mentioned they agreed to an association known as “stipulate and appeal.” It is a courtroom settlement through which a defendant acknowledges the proof towards them, a responsible determination is entered and the case is appealed to the circuit courtroom.

“We’ve requested a jury trial. That gives us an opportunity between now and then to explore all of our options and to try to work something out with the prosecution that does not involve jail time but does involve a fair restitution amount,” Jaffe mentioned.

News retailers reported that prosecutors are searching for a 12 months of jail time. Russell’s attorneys mentioned they do not assume she ought to serve jail time for a misdemeanor offense.

“We don’t think jail time for a first-offender with a class A misdemeanor is reasonable because that just doesn’t happen,” Jaffe mentioned.

Jaffe mentioned he understands that state prosecutors need jail time as a deterrent to potential future hoaxes. But he added {that a} conviction, restitution and the publicity surrounding the case may even have a deterrent impact.

Russell disappeared on July 13 after calling 911 to report a toddler beside a stretch of interstate. She returned residence two days later and instructed police she had been kidnapped and compelled right into a automobile. Police started shortly casting doubt on Russell’s story. Her lawyer had issued an announcement via police acknowledging there had been no kidnapping and that she by no means noticed a toddler. Russell within the assertion apologized to legislation enforcement and the volunteer searchers who had been searching for her.

“We ask for your prayers for Carlee, as she addresses her issues and attempts to move forward, understanding that she made a mistake in this matter. Carlee again asks for your forgiveness and prayers,” Emory Anthony mentioned within the July assertion.

Hoover Police Chief Nick Derzis beforehand mentioned he was annoyed that Russell was solely being charged with two misdemeanors regardless of the panic and disruption she prompted. But he mentioned the legislation didn’t permit for enhanced fees.

Sherri Papini in California was sentenced to 18 months in jail for mendacity to federal brokers and staging her 2016 pretend abduction, which led to a three-week, multi-state search.