Editor’s note: The News Courier will publish candidate announcements as we receive them and as space allows. Candidate announcements should be sent to editor Adam Smith at adam@athensnews-courier.com.

Montgomery native Riggs Walker recently qualified to seek election as a Republican to Place 1 on the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, according to a press release.

The seat is currently held by Judge Samuel Henry Welch for the last 11 years. Welch is not seeking re-election.

Walker has resided in the greater Birmingham area for the past 18 years. He graduated from Auburn in 1991 with a BA in Speech Communication. After graduation he worked his way through Law School as the manager in his father’s printing business.

He graduated from Jones School of Law, JD in 1998. Upon graduation, he clerked for Circuit Judge William A. Shashy in the 15th Judicial Circuit. In 1999, he moved to Birmingham to work as a deputy district attorney in the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.

Riggs and his wife of 17 years, Cheryl are raising their two children Riggs Jr., 13, and Ragan, 10, in Homewood.

“As a lead trial attorney Riggs has prosecuted 1000’s of felony cases. He has tried over 80 jury trials and successfully prosecuted a wide range of felony cases including capital murder, murder, assault, burglary, robbery, and theft cases,” the release said. “He has represented the State in over 50 Rule 32 Petitions.”

Riggs serves in a variety of ways in his community and the local and state GOP. He serves on the Jefferson County Republican Executive Committee, the Alabama GOP and Jefferson County Republican Party. He actively volunteers with Homewood City Schools and attends Covenant Presbyterian Church.

“Riggs is a dedicated conservative legal professional that believes in a constitutionally limited government, individual liberty, and personal responsibility,” the release said. “Riggs understands that these values combined with strong families and communities are essential to meeting today’s criminal justice challenges. Our security, prosperity and freedom depend on an objective legal mind with the ability to analyze and comprehend legal issues and work within the procedures and laws established to ensure a fair outcome.

“Riggs believes that combining his legal experience with conservative values will allow him to administer justice fairly and equitably, but always grounded in the rule of law. There are profound challenges in our society today. However, justice rightfully administered should provide hope and a guiding light for future generations.”