Tim Jolley is a respected figure in Alabama’s legal community, known for his decades of service as both a Circuit Judge and attorney. Married to Angela Jolley, Tim is a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather of five.

Distinguished Judicial Career

Judge Jolley served as a Circuit Judge in the 27th Judicial Circuit (Marshall County) from January 1999 through January 2017, presiding primarily over civil and criminal cases. During his tenure, he also served as a Drug Court Judge, helping implement rehabilitative approaches for non-violent offenders struggling with substance abuse.

Following his retirement from full-time service, Judge Jolley continues to serve as an Active Retired Judge, presiding over civil and criminal matters assigned to him by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court.

Early Legal Career and Prosecution Work

Judge Jolley began his legal career in private practice from 1981 to 1986 before joining the Marshall County District Attorney’s Office under District Attorney Ronald P. Thompson. He quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Chief Assistant District Attorney and Commander of the Marshall County Special Crimes Unit, where he led investigations into homicides and other serious offenses.

He dedicated 12 years to public service as a prosecutor before running for Circuit Judge, where he was elected unopposed and served with distinction until his retirement.

Education and Academic Excellence

Judge Jolley earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensic Sciences from Jacksonville State University. He later obtained his Juris Doctor from Birmingham School of Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude in 1981.

A lifelong student and teacher of the law, Judge Jolley has been an active contributor to continuing legal education in Alabama and across the nation.

Leadership and Contributions to Legal Education

Throughout his judicial career, Judge Jolley played a vital role in shaping the education of Alabama’s judiciary. He served as a member of the Alabama Circuit and District Court Association Judicial Education Committee and the Alabama Judicial College Faculty from 2000 to 2017.

He has presented at numerous judicial and legal training programs and was invited to Harvard Law School to speak at a symposium on “The Self-Represented Litigant.” Judge Jolley has also taught continuing education courses for attorneys, judges, probation and parole officers, prosecutors, law enforcement, drug court personnel, and corrections officers throughout Alabama.

Legislative and Policy Involvement

Judge Jolley’s expertise has extended beyond the courtroom into state policy and reform.

• He was appointed to the Alabama Prison Reform Task Force (2015–2017), where he contributed to drafting and implementing key criminal justice reform legislation.

• He was also appointed by the Alabama Secretary of State to a committee responsible for drafting legislation reforming the restoration of voting rights for convicted felons.

His work helped advance fairness, efficiency, and rehabilitation within Alabama’s justice system.

Professional Memberships and Recognition

Judge Jolley is a proud member of:

• The National Association of Drug Court Professionals (NADCP)

• The Alabama Association of Drug Court Professionals, where he served as President in 2016

• An Alumnus and Adjunct Faculty Member of the National Judicial College at the University of Nevada, Reno

Current Practice

Today, Judge Jolley remains deeply involved in Alabama’s legal community. He serves as a Registered Civil and Domestic Relations Mediator, conducting mediations throughout North Alabama, and practices law in the areas of:

• Criminal Defense

• Civil Litigation

• Real Estate Disputes

His judicial insight, decades of courtroom experience, and balanced approach to justice make him a trusted advocate and neutral mediator in even the most complex legal matters.

Contact Tim Jolley

For mediation, consultation, or legal representation, contact Guntersville Law, LLC today.