Longtime Carson City resident and trial attorney David A. Bailey has announced his candidacy for Carson City District Attorney, pledging to be the People’s Lawyer with dedication to foundational constitutional principles, fiscal responsibility, and commitment to public safety rooted in fairness and accountability.
David is a founding member of the Carson City Public Defender’s Office and is currently a Supervising Deputy Public Defender. He has represented individuals, small businesses, large corporations, cities, and public agencies across his legal career since 2011.
“I am running for District Attorney because expansive legal and practical experience in the DA’s office are necessary to keep our city thriving,” David said. “The justice system works best when it is transparent, anchored to our constitution, and dedicated to the rule of law.”
Deep Roots in Carson City
David grew up in Carson City and graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2005 with high distinction after also attending Western Nevada College, where he was recognized as the Outstanding Student Leader in 2001. He earned his law degree from SMU–Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas, with honors, and began practicing in Texas in 2011 before returning home in 2014.
He lives in Carson City with his wife, whom he met at Empire Elementary in sixth grade. Together, they are raising two daughters who are in seventh and ninth grade. He has coached AYSO soccer, taught beginners to ski at Sky Tavern, and represented many individuals and organizations in Carson City, Northern Nevada, and across the country.
“I grew up here playing pool at Cue-Phoria and riding my bike at the jumps on the corner of Highway 50 and Airport before Albertson’s was built. I hike our trails, go four-wheeling in the desert, ski at Mount Rose, and camp in the Sierras and across Nevada. This valley is my home, and using my experience as a leader and advocate to protect and advance Carson City’s residents’ interests would be the greatest privilege,” he said.
A Comprehensive Legal Career
David’s legal career uniquely positions him to serve as District Attorney. His experience spans criminal and constitutional law, water rights, patent and licensing agreements, mineral rights, estate planning, contract disputes, and municipal law — giving him a comprehensive understanding of how the justice system functions in many areas of law. He has:
- Represented clients in both civil and criminal cases across the country;
- Advised businesses and governments on contracts, regulatory matters, and litigation strategy; and
- Represented the State of Nevada, the Nevada Department of Corrections, corrections officers, and other corrections staff in federal litigation;
As Supervising Deputy Public Defender, David not only appears in court nearly every day, but also oversees approximately half of the office, ensuring cases are handled with zealousness, precision, fiscal responsibility, and a dedication to our constitution.
David has also served in Carson City’s specialty courts, working in cross-disciplinary teams involving prosecutors, treatment providers, resource providers, and law enforcement. These “problem-solving” courts focus on reducing recidivism by rehabilitating participants through life coaching, substance use counseling, mental health therapy, job and skills training, and close supervision, all in a concerted effort to address substance use disorders, mental health issues, and decision-making challenges that lead to criminal behavior.
“Specialty courts are the greatest legal innovation since the Bill of Rights. Jurisdictions across the country use these tools to enhance community safety and change lives every day,” David said. “Accountability often demands firm prosecution, and having programs like our Mental Health Court and drug courts help achieve long-term public safety with intense, structured rehabilitation and community supervision.”
A Commitment to Accountability
Throughout his career, David has worked to ensure that:
- Laws are enforced fairly and consistently
- Government actors uphold their constitutional obligations
- Everyone in court — victims, witnesses, parties, and attorneys alike — is treated with dignity
- Public trust in the justice system remains strong
He believes the District Attorney’s Office must operate with integrity and courage as it seeks justice.
For more information visit: https://electdavidbailey.com/
This content was submitted by a Carson Now reader. Do you have photos, an announcement, or exciting news to share? We want to know! Send your community news to us at the form below:
Have an event to share? Submit it to our events calendar here.
