Terry Wiley

Terry Wiley’s Parents arrived in San Francisco in 1949.  In 1968 Terry’s family moved to San Jose. One reality that Terry and his siblings were continually reminded of was education was the road to success in life. From an early age Terry took his education seriously and he began to display athletic abilities in football and track and field.

Terry had a successful high school football career despite suffering a knee injury in his Senior year costing him a football scholarship. Despite the setback, he was accepted into UC Berkeley based on his academic excellence at Santa Teresa High School in San Jose.

Terry walked on to the football team and by sheer determination and perseverance, Terry was named the starting running back in his sophomore year for the UC Berkeley football team. He also was a sprinter on the UC Berkeley track and field team.

Terry Wiley has an impressive background as the Former Chief Assistant District Attorney of the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office. Notably, he holds the distinction of being the first African American Chief Assistant in the history of Alameda County. Mr. Wiley is a staunch advocate for criminal justice reform and combating inequalities within both the adult and juvenile justice systems.

His extensive experience in criminal law is evident through his service in various assignments within the District Attorney’s Office. Renowned as a highly skilled trial attorney, Mr. Wiley is recognized for his commitment to justice, exemplified by his prosecution of three Oakland police officers known as "the Riders" involved in corruption and illegal activities.

Beyond his legal career, Terry Wiley has been featured on crime shows on the ID Channel and Discovery Channel, showcasing his involvement in interesting and complicated cases. His leadership within the District Attorney's Office extends to supervisory roles at all levels, including the Felony Trial Team, Juvenile Division, Branch Courthouse Operations, Director of Recruitment and Development, and Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Mr. Wiley has played a pivotal role in creating alternatives to incarceration programs and collaborative courts, providing individuals charged with crimes the opportunity for personal growth and education, aiming to move beyond the criminal justice system. His contributions extend to the greater legal community, where he served as a member of the American Bar Association’s Criminal Standards Committee and the State Bar of California Board of Trustees. Additionally, he held the position of Vice-President of the National Bar Association.

Active in community engagement, Terry Wiley frequently speaks at events addressing criminal justice system reform. His dedication to the advancement of young people is evident through his history of mentoring numerous young lawyers. Recognized as a dedicated public servant, Mr. Wiley has received numerous awards for his civic and professional engagement.