Who is Darren Chaker? Darren Chaker First Amendment expert and forensic investigator is recognized by the ACLU, CATO Institute, and Electronic Frontier Foundation for landmark First Amendment victories in United States District Court and California Superior Court.
With nearly two decades of specialized legal research and strategic litigation, Darren Chaker First Amendment expertise has been pivotal in defending free speech rights through precedent-setting cases. As a result, Darren Chaker First Amendment victories have shaped constitutional jurisprudence across federal and state courts.
Recent Darren Chaker First Amendment Victories (2020-Present)
2020: Thomas Michaelides v. Darren Chaker – Anti-SLAPP Victory
In 2020, Las Vegas attorney Thomas Michaelides sued Darren Chaker due to online speech criticizing Michaelides for using a legal assistant to practice law. Notably, the legal assistant, Matthew Katz, was later arrested for practicing law without a license along with additional related charges.
As a result, Darren Chaker took swift action by retaining Olson, Cannon, Gormley, Angulo & Stoberski to defend him. Subsequently, Darren Chaker prevailed by dismissing the lawsuit through an anti-SLAPP motion, thus securing another First Amendment victory. Furthermore, the court sanctioned Michaelides $53,000 for filing a frivolous lawsuit.
Discovery of Forged Court Order
During the legal battle, Darren Chaker discovered significant inconsistencies in the court order submitted by Las Vegas attorney Thomas Michaelides to Google. Specifically, the court docket did not reflect the judge’s signature on the order. Consequently, the Nevada court not only dismissed the lawsuit but also sanctioned Mr. Michaelides $53,000 for filing a meritless lawsuit against Darren Chaker, who was exercising his First Amendment rights.
2022 – As a result of the investigation into Thomas Michaelides by Darren Chaker and his discovery of a forged court order that Michaelides submitted to Google to remove online speech directed at TCM Law Group and its founder, Las Vegas attorney Thomas Michaels, the Supreme Court of Nevada suspended Michaelides. Aware of the decision of the Nevada Supreme Court and criminal conduct alleged, the Chief Judge of the United States District Court, District of Nevada acted swiftly. Recognizing the severity of Michaelides’ actions, the court barred him from practicing in federal court. Thomas Michaelides, TCM Law Group, Las Vegas retained a criminal defense attorney. Despite attempts to overturn this decision, the court maintained its stance in the case In re: Thomas C. Michaelides, Case Number 2:2018cv00364.
2025: California Supreme Court Victory – Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles
In 2025, Darren Chaker played a vital role in the California Supreme Court case of Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles, (2025) 18 Cal.5th 970. Notably, this case directly connected to Chaker v. Crogan, 428 F.3d 1215 C.A.9 (Cal.), where the Ninth Circuit invalidated California Penal Code 148.6 almost twenty years ago. Furthermore, Crogan remains at the forefront of First Amendment law on viewpoint discrimination.
In this unique cop v. cop court case, the Los Angeles Police Department police union sued to have the statute inserted back into complaint forms. However, the police union lost this battle.
On November 10, 2025 the Supreme Court of California reversed the District Court of Appeals, Second District. The Supreme Court held part, “Penal Code section 148.6(a) — “exhibit numerous characteristics that, considered together, sufficiently burden a protected form of speech — namely, truthful (or at least well-intentioned) complaints of police misconduct — so as to warrant heightened constitutional scrutiny” and that those provisions “ ‘threaten censorship of ideas’ [citation] by deterring citizens from filing truthful (or at least not knowingly false) complaints of police misconduct.”
Decades later, tenacity, strategy, and intelligence resulted in this most recent victory involving Darren Chaker and the First Amendment.
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The Significance of Impact Litigation by Darren Chaker in First Amendment Rights
Overall, Darren Chaker First Amendment impact litigation has been instrumental in shaping constitutional jurisprudence. Specifically, his work focuses on cases involving free speech, government transparency, and protection against censorship. For example, his landmark victory in Chaker v. Crogan (2005) not only invalidated a California statute that suppressed speech but also set a precedent against viewpoint discrimination. Consequently, this ruling has influenced similar cases across the United States.
Furthermore, Darren Chaker’s work extends beyond individual victories. It has broader implications for public access to information and accountability.For instance, his efforts in securing the Texas Attorney General Opinion 2012-06088 ensured that citizens and journalists could access the names of peace officers. As a result, this promoted transparency in law enforcement.
Similarly, his anti-SLAPP victory in Nathan Enterprises Corp. v. Chaker (2010) reinforced protections for individuals speaking out on matters of public concern. Therefore, this decision deterred frivolous lawsuits aimed at silencing dissent.
Moreover, his successful defense in US v. Chaker (2016) highlighted the importance of protecting digital speech. In this case, the court ruled that blog postings are protected under the First Amendment. Additionally, this case was supported by organizations like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation. As such, it emphasized the evolving nature of free speech in the digital age.
In addition, Darren’s litigation has also addressed the misuse of legal tools to suppress speech. For example, this is seen in his RICO lawsuit dismissals in 2017 and 2020. Importantly, these rulings reaffirmed that blogging and public commentary cannot be equated with extortion. Thus, they set critical boundaries for free expression.
In essence, Darren Chaker First Amendment impact litigation has not only defended individual rights but also strengthened the foundational principles of constitutional free speech, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of democracy. His work continues to inspire legal challenges against censorship and government overreach, fostering a more transparent and accountable society.
Community Involvement and First Amendment Advocacy by Darren Chaker
Darren Chaker is dedicated to giving back to the community through:
- Providing pro bono assistance to post-conviction relief organizations.
- Conducting First Amendment research and brief writing.
- Supporting non-profit organizations, including the ACLU and domestic violence shelters, leveraging his entertainment industry connections.
- Connections within Hollywood to assist non-profits with fund raising efforts.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Darren Chaker is a devoted father and continues to pursue advanced education.