Darley Law, LLC

03/18/2026

How can a "mugshot" damage your reputation? Most people are familiar with these web and social media sites that float around posting people's jail booking photos. While these are public photos, peoples' "friends", family members, co-workers and other interested parties often circulate and share these images far and wide.

How much damage can that mugshot do to one's professional or social reputation? One could easily argue it's immeasurable and irreparable.

Did you know that in certain circumstances you can avoid going to jail for a warrant, and thus having to pose for that photo????

This process is generally called a summons. This is a rare process in our region, but one that is sometimes afforded to "iffy" allegations, or minor allegations, and/or for people who have minimal to no criminal or arrest record history.
The process requires consultation with the prosecutor and Judge in the very earliest stages of accusations against a person.

Call 251-441-7772 if you feel this process may apply to a warrant you are facing.

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02/27/2026

A Mobile County jury acquitted 58 year-old Darrin Miller of 2 Murder and Discharging a Firearm charges related to a 5-defendant incident in 2020. 2 of Mr. Miller’s relatives were acquitted, as well.
For more than 5 years, the man who had never even so much as a traffic ticket, lived with this charge lingering over his head.
Miller broke down in tears and hugged his wife of 30 years, as his verdict was read.

The honest prosecutor did a fantastic job with her evidence, as did the lead detective, nicknamed Captain America, by some in the national media. Both are exceptional players in their field.

I express thanks to the other 2 lawyers and their staffs, Christine Hernandez and Chase Dearman. Phenomenal jobs were done for their clients.

I hope everyone can find some peace in this ever-growing adversarial world.

Darrin sketched his house, below, over the course of the week-long trial (I told him I wanted it and for him to sign it). Darrin, if you ever see this, I hope I served you honorably and respectfully, and that you can finally move foward.

02/07/2026

Happy Mardi Gras! Be safe to all those who partake in the downtown festivities.

There are downtown parades now every day until Fat Tuesday, with the exception of Wednesday, February 11.

We are a block off the parade route so we have to leave at 4 pm on parade days to get our office staff home.

Be safe and have a great time!!!

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01/28/2026

Do people want to serve on a jury? The vast majority of people appear when summonsed, but it's always interesting to hear the reasons why they "cannot" serve, and what we see in the people who want to be "picked".

Other than the time inconvenience do you want to serve/do you think people want to serve as a juror?

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12/18/2025

JANUARY-MARCH TRIAL SCHEDULE and HOLIDAY HOURS:

We are closed December 23-28, and then closed again on December 31 and January 1st for the holidays. We will be monitoring voice mails and emails at [email protected] routinely.
Enjoy the Christmas season with your family and friends!

**On January 5, 2026, I begin what is expected to be back to back trials designated complex in the US District Federal Court, which likely go the better part of 3 months. (Yes, approximately 3 months). OUR OFFICE IS STILL OPEN, with office manager Ellen at the helm, as usual! However, day to day operations will be handled by 2 lawyers in our office, standing in for me to resolve matters, in and out of court.

I will be monitoring developments multiple times during the days.

Thanks for you patience and understanding.

jd

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11/25/2025

Holiday week humor, a Wisconsin billboard:

10/28/2025

Earlier this month I was named the United States Southern District Federal attorney of the year. This award is selected by the federal judges and lawyers who practice defense law in the federal courts.

I don’t like to use this account for personal self promotion—-rather it’s easier for me to discuss milestones or legal happenings.
That said, it’s humbling to receive this honor when many “lions of the bar” who I consider mentors, have won it in past years, with several of them going on to become judges.

I appreciate all the support I have received over the years. If you have a federal court issue, call us at 251-441-7772.

10/23/2025

This place is an asset to downtown Mobile. Being a business owner is not easy--and it takes years to build. Go support them, please. Best lattes in town (and almost anywhere) and Front Yard tacos—on the same lot, is delicious.

hey guys. it’s been rough lately, slower days, fewer sales, wildly inconsistent business. the kind that make you do math in your head you don’t want to do. we know everyone’s feeling the pinch. we are too.

we’ve been at this almost 7 years, still caring just as much about the coffee, the people, this city. we’re locally owned and operated, and every single person who chooses to support us means the world.

every cup, every bag, every stop in, it all matters more than ever. it’s what keeps us going. costs keep rising, just our green coffee alone is up 30%, and our menu prices haven’t increased. we’re not out of fight, but we’re running low on fuel. if you’ve been meaning to swing by, now’s the time.

we love you guys. feel free to share, and we hope to see you soon!

09/30/2025

Today is a big day! We celebrate 20 years of being licensed in Alabama and the United States Courts. I distinctly recall waking up early and checking bar results 2 decades ago!!!
The sacrifices of family and friends who have contributed to these successes can never be appreciated enough, or ever repaid.
To those people who have trusted us to assist them, their kids, other family members, and friends, we are truly grateful.
And to my colleagues--fellow lawyers, staff, courthouse staff/employees, members of law enforcement, judges, and prosecutors--I have appreciated the chance to practice alongside you, with you, and before each and every one of you.
It's been stressful work, often times simply trying to get to a fair outcome, but it's been worthwhile. I hope I have served you all well.
Thank you,
jd

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08/07/2025

The Mobile County jury trial summer break ends next week. Juries are back in session beginning Monday, August 11, 2025. Trials are held on the 6th and 8th floors of the court house at 205 Government Street.

06/12/2025

Roller coaster day: -Talking with another lawyer outside the court house today and saw a lady leave in tears. I wanted to ask her was she ok and see if I could do anything to help. But couldn’t break away before she was gone. It’s stuck with me all day-not to be able to assist or at least check on someone in an unfortunate place. I failed to make someone’s path easier. I will do better next time.

But this afternoon in federal court, I represented a man who is trying as hard as I’ve seen anyone in many years, to get back on his feet and stay on the right path and get by. He’s battled homelessness and poverty, and overcoming harsh living conditions to remain in the direction he’s currently on. The overwhelming compassion and assistance his probation officer has provided is making a critical difference, and this man is not going back to prison.

I hope you all have had a good day, and are in store for an even better one, tomorrow.

04/15/2025

Did you know??? Alabama laws governing expungements have expanded to allow more charges to be removed from people's records.

Now, most all crimes that did NOT result in conviction can be expunged. Moreso, many convictions can be expunged unless they are not violent felonies, DUIs, or crimes of moral turpitude.

Expungements can improve your college education and/or job/career prospects. Call 251-441-7772 for more information.

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