District Attorney

Michelle Bays

Phone: 775.321.4300

Email: mbays@da.washoecounty.gov

Michelle began her service as Chief of the Investigations Division and Victim Services in January, 2019. She began her 25 year law enforcement career in 1994 when she attended the High Sierra Regional Law Enforcement Academy, graduating second in her class before moving on to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office. In 2008, she transferred to an investigator position at the Washoe County District Attorney’s Office (WCDA) and was promoted to supervisor in 2010. In addition, in 2015 she was selected by District Attorney Hicks to act as the office’s Public Information Officer. Michelle has lived in Northern Nevada for over 40 years and is married to a 28 year veteran police officer. Together they have 3 children.

Michelle earned a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the same institution. She is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Nevada Sheriff’s and Chief’s Association (NSCA), The International Association of Woman Police (IAWP) and the National Information Officers Association (NIOA).

The men and women of the Investigations Division are dedicated to the mission of the WCDA’s Office and its ongoing commitment to achieving justice and protecting the welfare of the community.