About

About Me

Highly respected and revered for his wit, knowledge, and expertise within the American judiciary system, Douglas Darnbrough hails from Rehoboth, MA. He carved his path in the legal domain. With a career of knowledge, experience, and innovation, he has left an indelible mark as a Judge in Massachusetts.

Professional Journey

He is a dedicated advocate for justice, having served in various roles within the legal system: 

Before his public service, he established the Douglas J. Darnbrough Law Offices, P.C. His practice encompassed diverse areas of law, including contracts, criminal defense, real estate, and tort litigation over 18 years. This extensive experience equipped him with a unique perspective and a robust skill set to handle complex legal cases effectively. 

He handled an array of criminal cases in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. One criminal case, Commonwealth v. Pina, was pivotal in clarifying and refining the law for the issue of search warrants in Massachusetts. He has extensive experience in the Courts litigating civil and criminal cases. His knowledge and legal skills also allowed him to be counsel for two large corporations in which he was instrumental in their development, expansion, and success.

He was an Assistant Clerk Magistrate at the Taunton District Court. He efficiently managed various legal proceedings, including civil motor vehicle infraction appeals, criminal show cause hearings, and small claims trials. He demonstrated unwavering commitment by assisting judges and offering legal decisions on the cases he heard. Governor Charlie Baker nominated him as an Associate Justice of the District Court.

He oversaw many cases across Bristol, Plymouth, and Barnstable Counties. His responsibilities included handling civil and criminal cases, including arraignments, pre-trials, motions, and trials. Additionally, he provides valuable insights through decision-making on evidentiary hearings and presided over mental health and restraining order hearings.

In 2019, he was named Presiding Justice of the New Bedford District Court, one of the Commonwealth’s busiest courts. Douglas played a pivotal role in its growth and success. His responsibilities are overall management of the Court while managing a caseload. He was instrumental in creating the custody video session expansion of the Drug Court (which he renamed the Recovery Court) and making the Court’s first mental health court.

His leadership in the New Bedford District Court reduced the Court’s backlog of cases, and operations were streamlined for better access to justice. Judge Darnbrough presided over many juries waived and jury trials encompassing civil and criminal cases. He is credited with pioneering the establishment of the Mental Health Court in New Bedford District Court, marking a significant development in the judicial landscape and underscoring his commitment to the community.

Douglas’s career has been defined by his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of justice and his invaluable contributions to the legal community.

Education and Honors

In 1994, he had the privilege of being a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable RI Supreme Court. Justice Gilbert Indeglia. He researched and briefed issues as assigned and submitted memorandums to the Judge, signifying the existing law.

His dedication and exceptional skills in the legal field earned him the title of Top Criminal Defense Lawyer by the American Society of Legal Advocates. The National Trial Lawyers also honored him as one of the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys. Doug will always be known for his remarkable professional journey and immense dedication to the judiciary system, which he has served with distinction, garnering respect and accolades throughout his illustrious career.

Judge Darnbrough has spoken and taught on various issues, including mental health and drug/ alcohol addicted population, opening and closing statements in trials, criminal show cause hearings, and was one of the instructors for the McLaughlin- Muse Advanced Trial Program in Bristol County.