ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — As of right now, Kenny “The Snake” Stabler will be in court facing a DUI charge in Robertsdale on Oct. 22, at 4 p.m.

That is, if local officials can find a judge to hear the case.

The Robertsdale City Council voted uniamiously Monday morning to appoint John Gamble, an attorney with offices in Bay Minette to serve as prosecutor in the case. A motion to appoint a judge in the case was withdrawn just before the meeting.

“I understand that before he (Gamble) went into private practice,he was a prosecutor in the DA’s office,” said Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy.

Stabler, a former Foley High football standout and “Crimson Tide” star was arrested Sunday, June 8 on Alabama 59 near Hub City Grocery in the early morning for driving his 2007 Dodge Durango under the influence according to Robertsdale police. The police also say Stabler refused a breath test. The former Oakland Raider Super Bowl quarterback spent about 12 hours in jail before posting $1,000 bond.

Stabler has resigned his position as “color analyst” for the Crimson Tide’s radio broadcasts. News reports say Stabler has petitioned the courts for the return of his driver’s license, suspended when he refused the breath test.

Stabler was originally slated to stand trial on the DUI charge earlier this month, but finding legal professionals with the experience to prosecute and no ties to Stabler’s interests or those of his family is proving to be a challenge.

“We are still looking for a judge,” said Murphy after Monday’s City Council meeting. He added that “The judges contacted had done legal work for him, or for a family member.”

This is not Stabler’s first trouble with drunk driving charges. He pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 1995 in Escambia County, Fla., and in 2001, he pleaded guilty to drunk driving after being arrested in Orange Beach. This was part of a deal where prosecutors dropped drug and reckless driving charges in exchange for that plea.

But, Murphy was adamant that the Stabler case would not languish.

“[There has been] more of a difficulty prosecuting this case, but the city will be diligent, and the city will handle this equitably to all involved,” said Murphy. “We intend to fully prosecute this event.”

The Stabler case has seen several prosecutors and judges recuse themselves.

That’s not because all the judges and attorneys here are Alabama grads or fans, Murphy was quick to add.

“We are dealing with someone who has a lot of notoriety and a lot of experience in court matters that has involved a lot of attorneys,” Murphy said. “That causes issues, and a number of legal professionals have had to recuse themselves.”

When asked if there was any particular difficulty in prosecuting the case, Gamble said in an e-mail, “As far as any challenges in this particular case, it is the same as any prosecution: the procedutal presentation of evidence to the Judge. My goal is to work hard to ensure that the city's case is presented fully.”

All members of the Robertsdale City Council were present for the meeting. The Council approved the minutes of the August 4 meeting and approved payment of about $628,000 of city bills.

The Council heard from Keith Lott, of the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce regarding the City’s participation in a Chamber publication. He offered to give the Council the inside front cover, valued at $2,550 “If I don’t sell it.”

Council member Joseph Kitchens decided to gamble, and moved that the Council authorize a full page for $1,900, The measure passed uniamiously.

Mayor Murphy reminded Council members that the next meeting of the City Council is slated for Sept. 2 and will begin a half-hour earlier, at 4:30 p.m. so the Council can go over next year’s budget.