Byars, Darby & Damas

10/02/2026

Heading to a game this fall? Tennessee law enforcement is on high alert on game days.

If you are pulled over, know your rights:

→ Required: Provide your name, driver’s license, proof of insurance, and vehicle registration.

→ Optional: Answering investigative questions. Remain polite, but exercise your right to remain silent.

One mistake shouldn't define your future. Byars, Darby & Damas is ready to defend your license, reputation, and rights.

Call Byars, Darby & Damas at 931-854-9196 to take immediate legal action today. 📲

08/22/2026

If you’ve seen a guy in a suit walking a Doberman puppy up and down the sidewalk in front of Byars, Darby & Damas lately, mystery solved. 😂🐾⚖️

Meet Kobe, the newest — and already most popular — member of the firm.

Managing Partner Gordon Byars recently brought home this 12-week-old Doberman, and she has quickly become a regular around the office. Everyone loves her, and Kobe appears to love the law-firm life just as much.

Her first major personnel decision?

Taking over the Office Manager’s chair.

Barbara may technically still have the title, but Kobe seems pretty confident the seating arrangement says otherwise. 😂

So far, Kobe has mastered several important law-office skills:

🐾 Making the rounds to every office
🐾 Supervising the staff
🐾 Accepting unlimited attention
🐾 Sleeping through meetings
🐾 Dramatically improving office morale

So if you see a suit and tie being pulled down the sidewalk by a little black-and-tan puppy, just know that Kobe is taking Gordon out for his daily walk.

Welcome to Byars, Darby & Damas, Kobe. We have a feeling you’ll be running the place before long. 🧡🐶⚖️

CookevilleTN

08/20/2026

We are proud to announce that Gordon A. Byars, founding partner of Byars, Darby & Damas, has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® for his work in Criminal Defense: General Practice.

Best Lawyers recognition is based entirely on peer review, reflecting the confidence and respect of fellow attorneys who know the work and the profession. There is no paid placement or self-nomination involved in the selection process.

For Gordon, this recognition reflects what has always been at the center of his practice: preparing every case with purpose, standing beside clients when the stakes are highest, and being willing to fight for them in the courtroom.

We are grateful to our colleagues for this recognition—and especially grateful to the clients who continue to trust our firm with matters that can profoundly impact their lives.

Congratulations, Gordon!

Learn more:
https://www.bestlawyers.com/lawyers/gordon-a-byars/383825

07/01/2026

If you are inclined to vote, we would appreciate your vote for the Herald Citizen Readers Choice "Best Law Firm." The support staff especially, has earned the superlative.

If you're not inclined to vote, that's fine too. No pressure. We are thankful for the nomination nonetheless.

Portobello touts benefits of sustainability BY JIM HERRIN HERALD-CITIZEN Employees at Portobello America's Baxter plant gathered Tuesday for a training session in the tile manufacturer's sustainability initiatives, something the company says is "not a separate initiative."

06/24/2026

Congratulations to Gordon Byars and Ramon Damas on being selected to the 2026 Super Lawyers Rising Stars list.

Gordon, our Managing Partner, has been selected to Rising Stars each year from 2021 through 2026. Ramon, Partner at Byars, Darby & Damas, has been selected each year from 2023 through 2026. Both were in the area of Criminal Defense.

We are proud to have their dedication, leadership, and commitment to clients recognized again this year. Please join us in congratulating Gordon and Ramon on this honor.

06/22/2026

Heading to or coming home from Bonnaroo and got stopped?

Festival weekends bring extra traffic enforcement across Middle Tennessee. If you or someone with you was arrested, cited, or charged with DUI, drug possession, paraphernalia, underage drinking, public intoxication, or another criminal offense, don’t try to handle it alone.

Byars, Darby & Damas represents people charged throughout Middle Tennessee. We can help you understand the charge, the court process, and what steps to take next.

Call our office today: (931) 854-9196
Byars, Darby & Damas
Cookeville, Tennessee

06/10/2026

Attorney Spotlight: Gordon Byars

Some cases require more than legal knowledge—they require courtroom experience, strategic judgment, and the confidence that comes from having handled high-stakes litigation.

As the founding and managing partner of Byars, Darby & Damas, Gordon Byars has built his practice around one core principle: disciplined preparation wins cases. Since founding the firm in 2014, he has earned a reputation throughout Tennessee as a trial-focused attorney known for strategic advocacy, meticulous case preparation, and strong courtroom performance.

Gordon's practice focuses primarily on criminal defense and complex litigation. Over the course of his career, he has represented clients in matters ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree murder charges, handling cases at every stage of the process—from investigation and trial through appellate review. He has also successfully argued and won appeals before the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.

A graduate of Tennessee Tech University and Lincoln Memorial University's Duncan School of Law, Gordon is a two-time graduate of the Tennessee Criminal Defense College and has been recognized for both his trial skill and professional leadership. His service includes leadership roles with the Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Putnam County Bar Association, Upper Cumberland Trial Lawyers, and the Upper Cumberland Young Lawyers. He has also been selected to the Tennessee Bar Association's Leadership Law program and holds an AV Preeminent® rating for legal ability and ethics.

Whether defending an individual facing serious criminal charges, representing first responders before professional boards, or litigating complex civil matters, Gordon approaches every case with the same commitment: preparation, advocacy, and pursuing the best possible outcome for his clients.

At Byars, Darby & Damas, Gordon remains committed to providing the level of representation clients need when the stakes are at their highest.

📍 Cookeville, Tennessee
📞 (931) 854-9196
🌐 bddattorneys.com

06/01/2026

Attorney Spotlight: Carley Darby

When clients are facing some of the most important decisions of their lives, they need more than legal advice—they need an advocate they can trust.

As a partner at Byars, Darby & Damas, Carley Darby has built a reputation for providing thoughtful counsel, strategic advocacy, and steadfast support to clients throughout the Upper Cumberland. Her practice focuses on family law matters, including divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, adoptions, and other complex domestic relations issues.

A Cookeville native, Carley combines deep roots in the community with a practical understanding of the challenges families face during difficult transitions. She is known for helping clients navigate emotionally charged situations with professionalism, compassion, and a clear focus on achieving the best possible outcome for their families.

Whether negotiating a resolution outside the courtroom or litigating contested matters before a judge, Carley approaches every case with meticulous preparation and a commitment to protecting her clients' interests. Her ability to balance strong advocacy with sound judgment has earned the trust of clients across Middle Tennessee.

At Byars, Darby & Damas, Carley is proud to help individuals and families move forward with confidence during life's most challenging moments.

📍 Cookeville, Tennessee
📞 (931) 854-9196
🌐 bddattorneys.com

05/28/2026

Attorney Spotlight: Ramon Damas

At Byars, Darby & Damas, attorney Ramon Damas brings more than legal knowledge to the courtroom — he brings perspective, compassion, and relentless preparation.

Originally raised in Miami as the son of Honduran immigrants, Ramon eventually found his way to Cookeville, where he graduated from Cookeville High School and Tennessee Tech before earning his law degree from the University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law. His path to becoming a lawyer was shaped by personal experience, including seeing firsthand how legal outcomes can impact families and futures.

Before becoming an attorney, Ramon worked as a private investigator — experience that still influences the way he approaches every case today: detail-oriented, fact-driven, and committed to uncovering the truth.

Ramon focuses heavily on criminal defense and cases involving immigration consequences, helping clients navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives with clear guidance and strong advocacy.

At Byars, Darby & Damas, we’re proud to have attorneys who combine courtroom skill with genuine care for the people they represent.

📍 Cookeville, Tennessee
📞 (931) 854-9196
🌐 bddattorneys.com

04/15/2026

At Byars, Darby & Damas, growth within our team is something we take pride in—and today we’re excited to highlight someone who embodies that in every way.

Meet Lucero Ramirez.

Lucero recently transitioned from an outstanding Intake Coordinator into her new role as a Paralegal, where she now supports both our criminal defense and civil practice areas. During her time as Intake Coordinator, she was often the first point of contact for our clients—setting the tone with professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care. That same foundation has carried seamlessly into her new position.

Now, Lucero is taking on a broader role behind the scenes—assisting with case preparation, managing files, and helping ensure our attorneys are equipped to deliver results in and out of the courtroom. Her ability to adapt, learn quickly, and handle responsibility across multiple practice areas speaks volumes about her work ethic and commitment.

We’re proud of the way Lucero has stepped into this new chapter and excited to see her continue to grow within the firm.