A trial date has been set for Carlee Russell’s appeal of her municipal conviction of faking her own abduction.

Russell, 26, pleaded not guilty on Oct. 11 to charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

Despite her plea, Hoover 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.

Jefferson County Bessemer Cutoff Circuit Judge David Carpenter on Thursday issued an order setting the jury trial for March 18 at 9 a.m.

In municipal court, there is no jury trial. The constitution allows anyone who faces jail time to have their case heard and decided by a jury of their peers.

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 and Richard Jaffe, appealed to the circuit court.

Anthony said following the municipal hearing they would appeal the verdict because state prosecutors want Russell to serve jail time. Anthony said Russell’s legal team completely disagrees with jail time for a Class A misdemeanor, especially when it’s Russell’s first offense.

Russell seemingly vanished Thursday, July 13, after calling 911, and a family member, to report seeing a child, about 3 or 4 years old only wearing a diaper, walking alone on I-459.

The family member reported hearing a scream, and then only interstate noise through the open cell phone line.

Russell’s disappearance sparked a massive search and widespread concern.

Two days later, Russell showed up alone at her parents Hoover home. She was taken to UAB Hospital for evaluation.

While in the hospital, Russell told Hoover police she escaped the clutches of a man and woman who abducted her. She did not speak with Hoover investigators again after that initial interview.

Asked why Russell faked her own abduction, Anthony previously 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.”