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 driven precedent-setting free speech cases. His victories have shaped constitutional jurisprudence across federal and state courts, earning recognition from leading civil liberties organizations.
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 over online speech criticizing Michaelides for using a legal assistant to practice law. The legal assistant, Matthew Katz, was later arrested for practicing law without a license along with additional related charges.
Darren Chaker took swift action by retaining Olson, Cannon, Gormley, Angulo & Stoberski to defend him. He prevailed by dismissing the lawsuit through an anti-SLAPP motion, securing another First Amendment victory. 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 that Las Vegas attorney Thomas Michaelides submitted to Google. The court docket did not reflect the judge’s signature on the order. The Nevada court dismissed the lawsuit and sanctioned Mr. Michaelides $53,000 for filing a meritless lawsuit against Darren Chaker, who exercised his First Amendment rights.
2022 – Darren Chaker’s investigation into Thomas Michaelides uncovered 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. The Chief Judge of the United States District Court, District of Nevada, acted swiftly and 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
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. 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. 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 in part that Penal Code section 148.6(a) exhibits characteristics that sufficiently burden a protected form of speech. Truthful complaints of police misconduct deserve heightened constitutional scrutiny, and these provisions deter citizens from filing legitimate complaints.
Decades of tenacity, strategy, and intelligence produced this most recent victory involving Darren Chaker and the First Amendment.
The Significance of Impact Litigation by Darren Chaker
Darren Chaker First Amendment impact litigation has shaped constitutional jurisprudence in critical ways. His work targets cases involving free speech, government transparency, and protection against censorship. His landmark victory in Chaker v. Crogan (2005) invalidated a California statute that suppressed speech and set a precedent against viewpoint discrimination. This ruling has influenced similar cases across the United States.
Protecting Access to Information
Darren Chaker’s work extends beyond individual victories. It carries broader implications for public access to information and accountability. His efforts in securing the Texas Attorney General Opinion 2012-06088 ensured that citizens and journalists could access the names of peace officers. This promoted transparency in law enforcement.
His anti-SLAPP victory in Nathan Enterprises Corp. v. Chaker (2010) reinforced protections for individuals speaking out on matters of public concern. This decision deterred frivolous lawsuits aimed at silencing dissent.
Defending Digital Speech Rights
His successful defense in US v. Chaker (2016) highlighted the importance of protecting digital speech. The court ruled that blog postings receive protection under the First Amendment. Organizations like the ACLU and Electronic Frontier Foundation supported this case, emphasizing the evolving nature of free speech in the digital age.
Darren Chaker’s litigation also addressed the misuse of legal tools to suppress speech. His RICO lawsuit dismissals in 2017 and 2020 reaffirmed that blogging and public commentary cannot equal extortion. These rulings set critical boundaries for free expression.
In essence, Darren Chaker First Amendment impact litigation has defended individual rights and strengthened the foundational principles of constitutional free speech. 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
Darren Chaker dedicates time 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Darren Chaker?
Darren Chaker is a First Amendment expert and forensic investigator recognized by the ACLU, CATO Institute, and Electronic Frontier Foundation for landmark free speech victories in United States District Court and California Superior Court. - What is Chaker v. Crogan and why is it important?
Chaker v. Crogan (2005) is a landmark Ninth Circuit case where Darren Chaker successfully challenged California Penal Code 148.6, which suppressed citizen complaints about police misconduct. The ruling set a key precedent against viewpoint discrimination and continues to shape First Amendment law. - What are Darren Chaker's most notable First Amendment victories?
Darren Chaker's notable victories include the anti-SLAPP dismissal against Thomas Michaelides (2020), where the court sanctioned the opposing attorney $53,000, and the 2025 California Supreme Court case Los Angeles Police Protective League v. City of Los Angeles, which built on his earlier Chaker v. Crogan precedent. - What is viewpoint discrimination in First Amendment law?
Viewpoint discrimination occurs when the government restricts speech based on the specific opinion or perspective expressed, rather than the subject matter. Darren Chaker's work in Chaker v. Crogan established that laws targeting citizen complaints of police misconduct constitute unconstitutional viewpoint discrimination.
Quick Summary
Darren Chaker is a First Amendment advocate and forensic investigator known for landmark free speech victories. His most significant case, Chaker v. Crogan (2005), invalidated California Penal Code 148.6 and established a key precedent against viewpoint discrimination. His recent victories include a 2020 anti-SLAPP dismissal with $53,000 in sanctions and the 2025 California Supreme Court case LAPPL v. City of Los Angeles. Recognized by the ACLU, CATO Institute, and Electronic Frontier Foundation, Chaker focuses on impact litigation protecting constitutional speech rights, government transparency, and digital speech protections.