Double jeopardy concern in Nodine case

BALDWIN COUNTY, Alabama (WALA) - Baldwin County's newly elected district attorney has to deal with a high profile murder case when she goes to work on Monday. Friday, Hallie Dixon took the oath of office.

Hallie Dixon becomes the seventh district attorney in Baldwin County's history and the second woman to hold the office.

"I could never adequately express to all of the faces I see out there sufficient gratitude for the way I feel," said Dixon.

Dixon defeated the incumbent Judy Newcomb during the primary.

Though Dixon was sworn in Friday, her term does not start until Monday.

Dixon takes office when there is a huge backload of cases and included in that is the high profile murder case that involves a former Mobile County Commissioner. A case that received huge amount of public interest.

Steve Nodine's murder case ended in a hung jury in December.

The former commissioner is accused of killing his long-time mistress Angel Downs.

Dixon says there could be a possible problem with moving forward.

"There is double jeopardy issues at this point and I actually have assigned a lawyer to research the issues with double jeopardy when it comes to a re-indictment. We can't make the decision on whether what our decision will be until I see the case file, my investigators see the file," Dixon explained.

If there is a second trial, Nodine's attorney has mentioned moving the case out of Baldwin County.

Dixon says that could be a good idea.

"In fact, it's probably the better decision to do for appellate reasons. I would rather if this family goes through this, if we have to go back to trial and we have to go back through this trial, a reversal on appeal for some technical issue like venue would not be in the interest of justice or this family," said Dixon.

Dixon says she is planning to meet with the Downs family next week.