Clanton municipal court will soon be starting an hour earlier at 4 p.m., to handle some paperwork and administrative functions.

Clanton Police Sgt. Neil Fetner said the additional hour would allow court, which use to start at 5 p.m., to run more smoothly.

During administrative court, anyone who wishes to pay a fine can do so. People can also apply for driving school or meet with Judicial Correction Services, which works with probationers, or other court-referred programs.

Court Judge Hollis Jackson will not take the bench until 5 p.m. Any case requiring an appearance in front of the judge cannot be done during the administrative hour.

“The administrative court time frame is for non-mandatory court appearances and scheduled appointments with court personnel,” Fetner said.

Each Tuesday, between 40-50 defendants appear in court, many with multiple cases pending, Fetner said.

The change will officially go into effect Tuesday, March 6, though parts of administrative court could begin sooner on a test basis, Fetner said.

Anyone with questions about the change should contact Probation Services at (205) 755-1994, Ext. 314 or 309.