The people of Marshall County and North Alabama lost a champion when Judge Tim Riley retired in January 2025 after serving 33 years on the bench.

Judge Riley was first elected Judge in 1992 and soon became known as the “people’s Judge.” Despite always handling a heavy caseload he found time to establish numerous innovative programs which continue today and significantly benefit the citizens of Marshall County and the State of Alabama as well. Some of these programs include the following:

• A Juvenile Drug Court program;

• Court Appointed Juvenile Advocate program (CAJA);

• The Marshall County Adult Drug Court (the third such program established in the State of Alabama);

• Organized a group of Alabama lawyers who volunteered to provide fee legal aid to military families and veterans;

• Judge Riley incorporated the Marshall County Community Corrections program which has had a tremendous positive impact on hundreds of Marshall County residents.

Judge Riley’s judicial service was interrupted in 2001 with the attack on the World Trade Center. He was one of the first National Guard/Reserve Judge Advocates to be called to Active Duty. He subsequently served the U.S. Army Central Command with distinction in North Africa, Kuwait, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Judge Riley served bravely and was actually involved in several combat operations including terrorist attacks on his bases. For his distinguished service, he was awarded the Prestigious Combat Badge in 2002. Judge Riley returned home in 2003 with the rank of Colonel.
During his tenure as Circuit Judge, Judge Riley tried hundreds of jury and non-jury cases, civil and criminal cases. Many of those cases were complex and challenging and included five Capital Murder cases, complex business litigation, serious personal injury cases, and wrongful death actions as well as twelve medical malpractice cases. One of which required over three and a half weeks of trial. At the request of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Judge Riley has also tried cases in almost all counties in North Alabama.


For those attorneys who were fortunate enough to try jury cases before Judge Tim Riley, they knew they would receive a fair trial. In the courtroom, Judge Riley displayed the temperament and patience that allowed the lawyer a fair chance to present their claim. He tried cases with a down-to-earth attitude and a subtle sense of humor. This ensured that trials were conducted effectively and amicably. Judge Riley displayed the same courage in the courtroom that he showed on the battlefield. He had the willingness to do what the law requires, even though his decision may not be the popular one. Regardless of the outcome, lawyers and parties have always left Judge Riley’s courtroom knowing they have been treated fairly and with respect.

We all owe Judge Riley a tremendous amount of gratitude for his service to our county, state, and country.