David Bailey's Vision for the District Attorney's Office
The District Attorney plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, responsible for both criminal prosecutions and advising the City on various legal matters. The scope of the District Attorney's office is extensive, covering nearly every issue that may arise. When public safety concerns demand effective and timely legal advice, I’ll be there to answer the call.
A Commitment to Accountability
Justice in the criminal justice system is only delivered when the courts and parties have all available information; only then can just and fair decisions come about. Whether in a civil matter or a criminal case, I ensure my client understands the bigger picture and how decisions may affect their case, property, family, and life. I further endeavor to anticipate how these decisions may impact others involved, including opposing parties, with an eye toward pragmatism. A properly informed client recognizes the repercussions beyond the actions a court may take in a particular case.
Throughout my career, regardless of the type of case, I have worked to ensure that:
- People are heard
- Laws are enforced fairly and consistently
- Individuals, including government actors, are held to fulfill their duties and uphold their constitutional obligations
- Everyone involved is treated with dignity and courtesy, whether it is opposing counsel, a witness, the accused, or a victim
- Public trust in the justice system and public safety remains strong
The District Attorney’s Office must operate with integrity and courage, and as District Attorney, I will continue this practice as I have throughout my career.
Fiscal Responsibility
I am committed to running a fiscally responsible office that prioritizes public safety and the efficient administration of criminal justice. In private practice, costs are nearly always a concern for clients, as lawyers can be expensive and lawsuits even more so. A competent, effective advocate considers costs as a practical aspect of representation. Government lawyers, including the District Attorney, have an arguably higher duty to keep costs in mind since taxpayers foot the bill.
Every day, I keep the taxpayers in my thoughts. From simple actions like turning off the lights when leaving my office to interviewing expert witnesses to ensure they understand efficiency and managing case budgets, I recognize that everything done at the Public Defender’s office—much like the District Attorney’s office—carries costs borne by the taxpayers. I will maintain this constituent focus as District Attorney and lead by example as a good steward of taxpayer money.
Leadership in Mental Health & Specialty Courts
Being a defense attorney has provided me with valuable insight into the many challenges that I was fortunate not to experience directly. Many clients I have represented as a deputy public defender struggle with substance use, mental illness, or both. While many of our fellow citizens face similar challenges and manage to lead lives that do not involve criminal acts, unfortunately, some are unable to cope with these afflictions, resulting in choices that affect others and require intervention from the criminal justice system. Numerous individuals express to me their awareness of the need for change and their desire to improve, but they often feel lost on how to achieve this or cannot do it alone. For those in need, one of the most effective tools we have within the criminal justice framework for addressing addiction and mental health issues is the use of specialty courts.
I have served as defense counsel in our mental health court and drug courts. I have also participated in multiple national training seminars that focus on the science and data behind tools designed to reduce recidivism, break the grip of addiction, and retrain individuals to lead productive lives. These programs, often referred to as “problem-solving courts,” emphasize rehabilitation, compliance, and enhancing public safety. They are effective because participants receive more than just punishment; they benefit from extensive counseling and training aimed at transitioning from lives of crime, addiction, abuse, and trauma to fulfilling lives of employment and community engagement.
My experience in criminal defense, particularly with specialty courts, has led me to understand that true justice requires a discerning eye. While accountability often necessitates firm prosecution by the District Attorney, it also seeks opportunities where long-term public safety can be best achieved through structured rehabilitation and community supervision.