SELMA — Democrat Joseph H. Hagood III, 41, of Selma has announced his candidacy for the office of district attorney of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, consisting of Bibb, Dallas, Hale, Perry and Wilcox counties.

Hagood has practiced criminal law in Selma since 1996 with the Law Office of Joseph H. Hagood III. In January 2008, he was appointed as municipal judge for Selma.

Hagood’s experience as a criminal attorney and a municipal judge has increased his concern with how justice is administered in the Fourth Judicial Circuit.

“My growing concern of justice in the Fourth Judicial District is a vital part of my platform in running for district attorney of this circuit,” he said in an e-mail interview. “As of now, I’d rather not disclose too much about my platform since the campaign is in its infancy and I do not want to give too much away at this point. This information will be forth coming throughout the election.”

Hagood said he has fought for justice as an advocate for those who cannot afford an attorney and as municipal judge.

Hagood said he was appointed to a two-year term as municipal judge and will continue to serve “because it’s my duty to the citizens of Selma, Alabama to not only help in moving the city forward but also maintaining law and order in Selma.”

He said he sees that now is a time for change in the circuit.

“Working as a team, we will change the culture of criminality that exists in our community and seek punishments befitting of the crimes. We will seek justice for all, not some,” Hagood said.

Hagood is a Selma native and has ben married to his wife Carrie since 1995. They have three children: Rin, anne Kathryn and Caroline Hagood and his family resides in Selma.