VIDALIA — Two former Ferriday police officers are scheduled to appear in court today.

John Hawkins, 120 Canal St., Ferriday, and Juanita January, 6201 Riverside Drive Apt 20-D, are both scheduled for a trial of motions in Seventh Judicial District Court Division “B” today.

A trial of motions is a legal step leading up to trial, in which defense and prosecution essentially argue what the boundaries of the trial should be.

Hawkins is charged with two counts false imprisonment, two counts malfeasance in office and simple battery.

His defense has filed a motion that alleges the charges he faces depend on the same evidence, and if he were prosecuted on that evidence he would face double jeopardy.

January is charged with felony carnal knowledge of a juvenile in an unrelated alleged incident.

Hawkins and January have both pleaded “not guilty” to the charges against them.

Three other former officers — former Police Chief Robert “Rock” Davis, officer Willie Robinson and officer Rickey Hollins — were indicted in March following an investigation by the Seventh Judicial District District Attorney’s Office into the department after several citizens alleged police misconduct.

The charges against Davis were dropped in late November.