West Point Councilwoman Judy Wilkinson plans an appeal after being found guilty in Columbus Recorder’s Court of violating the city’s alcohol ordinance.

She was given a sentence of 30 days’ probation on the misdemeanor charge Wednesday but no monetary fine.

“She’s upset,” said Wilkinson’s attorney, Benjamin Wilcox.

He and his client will appeal the case in state court, which is expected to take five to six weeks.

“I guess we’re appealing the 21st amendment, which repealed prohibition,” Wilcox said. “Columbus wants to bring back prohibition.”

A separate state charge Wilkinson faces for violating the state alcohol ordinance has yet to be heard in state court in Columbus. Wilkinson also has a complaint pending against Columbus police relating to her arrest on the charges Saturday.

The proceedings against Wilkinson, 41, began Monday morning in Columbus Recorder’s Court. Wilkinson, who owns Formal Elegance, a bridal and formal wear shop on Veterans’ Parkway in Columbus, was arrested and charged with violating local and state liquor laws during a trunk show at her business.

Reports said six officers showed up at the store to perform a “business check” after receiving a complaint that alcohol was being served.

Police say Wilkinson “offered and had an employee serve a mimosa,” a mixture of orange juice and champagne, without having an alcohol license for the business. Wilcox said he interpreted the city ordinance to allow alcohol to be served as long as it isn’t sold.

Wilcox said his client specifically asked about being able to serve alcohol when she renewed her business license this year. Wilkinson picked up the application, then took it back to ask a clerk if she should check a box on the form asking if she’d be selling or consuming alcohol, her attorney said. The clerk told Wilkinson not to bother checking the box, even when she explained the type of event she’d be hosting, Wilcox said.

Wilkinson, re-elected to council Nov. 3, has referred all inquiries on the incident to Wilcox. Wilcox said the pair would meet later this week to discuss their next steps in the case.

Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@ lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.