A guilty verdict handed down by a Hoover municipal judge on Wednesday in the false abduction of 26-year-old Carlee Russell is not the end of the case that captured America’s attention.

Russell pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

However, Municipal Judge Brad Bishop found her guilty based on the recommendation of state prosecutors.

Bishop recommended one year in jail and $17,874 in restitution. He also recommended two fines of $831 each.

Here’s a look at what is expected to happen next:

Russell is appealing the verdict: Bishop explained that often defendants will appeal his verdict to Jefferson County Circuit Court to take the case to a jury trial.

Russell, represented by attorneys Emory Anthony, Richard Jaffe and Luckie Milad, is appealing to the circuit court.

As of now, a date has not been set for a circuit court trial and Anthony said they will decide how to proceed.

“I have two of the greatest lawyers with me,’’ he said. “And they will let me know what’s the best thing to do.”

Will Russell serve time in jail? Anthony said Russell’s legal team completely disagrees with jail time for a Class A misdemeanor, especially when it’s Russell’s first offense.

The lawyer said he believes the amount of restitution sounded fair, given the resources expended during the search.

“If you can find where someone was put in jail for that, bring the file to me and I’ll look at it,’’ he said. “Generally, they’re not put in jail.”

Legislators say stronger penalties are needed because of the amount of time and money that police, volunteers and others can spend in response to a false kidnapping report.

Sen. April Weaver, R-Brierfield, said in a news release she is talking with prosecutors and law enforcement officials about a bill to make falsely reporting an abduction a felony. Reps. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, and Leigh Husley, R-Helena, have said they are working on legislation to enhance penalties.

Will there be more charges? Anthony said he doesn’t know if more charges will be filed, but said the defense was invited by the Attorney General’s Office to speak before a grand jury. They declined.

Authorities said a grand jury has already possibly met in the Bessemer Cut off but it wasn’t immediately clear what, if anything, resulted.

“We intend to fully prosecute this case,” Alabama Attorney General’s Office said in July.

“We don’t see this as a victimless crime …. There are significant hours spent, resources expended, and not only that, but the many men and women civilians who wore those yellow vests on a hot afternoon and in the evening looking for someone they thought was abducted, trying to be of assistance.”

Will we ever know why Russell did it? The number one question on the minds of many is why Russell, a nursing student, called family and 911, said she saw a baby walking along I-459, vanished and later said she was abducted. Russell ultimately admitted the story was a hoax.

Anthony said that’s something that will eventually come to light.

“We’re dealing with issues with Carlee, and we want the best for Carlee,’’ Anthony said. “We realize a mistake was made but we don’t want to just pile on right now.”