Carlee Russell’s defense attorney, Emory Anthony, on Friday said he expects the next step following the filing of two misdemeanor charges in her staged disappearance to be a court date sometime in October.

Asked about the involvement of the Attorney General’s Office, Anthony said, “I’m surprised but I don’t know why he is being called in. I guess you would have to ask the City of Hoover why they’re calling AG’s office in to prosecute.”

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall said his office handles cases across the state and has jurisdiction throughout on both misdemeanors and felonies.

”It’s not uncommon,’’ he said. “We intend to fully prosecute this case. We will continue to monitor this investigation and determine whether there are any additional charges that need to be brought.”

Anthony met with Russell and her parents Friday morning at his Birmingham office and then they drove to Hoover to undergo the booking process.

”Like any person who’s charged with something, she’s very concerned. She still has to address some issues,’’ Anthony said.

“Her parents are concerned about their child, the same way they were concerned when they went through the incident thinking she was missing,” he added.

”Nothing changes as far as being a parent,’’ he said.

“They realize now their daughter is being charged with something and Carlee realizes she’s being charged with something, so she’s frightened.”

Russell, who just days ago turned 26, was booked and released on charges of false reporting to law enforcement authorities and falsely reporting an incident.

The Class A misdemeanors are punishable by not more than one year in a county jail or a year of labor in the county, according to state statutes. They also carry a fine up to $6,000.

”Nobody gets prepared to be charged with anything. I haven’t seen any of my clients prepared, but she went through the process,’’ Anthony said.

“And I want to say thanks to Hoover for allowing her to go through the process and be done quickly.”