D. Michael Bell

J.D. Candidate 2028

Atlanta, Georgia, United States

About

I have worked criminal investigations at the local, state, and federal levels for most of my career. I am a military veteran and hold a degree in Criminal Psychology from Boston College. Throughout my career, I have served as a DEA Task Force Officer, undercover narcotics investigator, front-line supervisor, and K9 handler. My investigative experience has focused on drug trafficking, organized crime, violent offenses, and complex criminal investigations. Most recently, I served as a Criminal Investigator with the Georgia Public Defender Council while pursuing my J.D. at Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School. In that role, I gained valuable insight into how cases are developed, challenged, and presented from multiple perspectives. That experience strengthened my investigative approach and reinforced the importance of thorough preparation, objective analysis, and attention to detail. As I continue my legal education, I am exploring opportunities to apply both my investigative and legal training. My interests include criminal law and family law, though I remain open to opportunities where my experience and skill set can be put to good use.

Experience

  • Legal Intern at Lerner Consulting LLC
    Jun 2026 - Present · 1 mo

  • Criminal Investigator at State of Georgia
    Jan 2023 - Mar 2026 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Conduct felony-level investigations in direct support of active criminal prosecutions, working closely with attorneys to prepare cases for trial. Responsibilities include preparing investigative summaries, affidavits, timelines, and discovery materials, as well as locating, interviewing, and assessing the credibility of civilian and law-enforcement witnesses. Regularly obtain records, execute subpoenas, and coordinate evidence collection statewide. Review police reports and body-worn camera footage for legal sufficiency, impeachment issues, and potential evidentiary weaknesses relevant to trial.

  • TFO at Drug Enforcement Administration
    Jun 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

    Investigated large-scale narcotics trafficking organizations for federal prosecution, conducting surveillance, controlled purchases, and wire-supported investigations in coordination with federal and local agencies. Assisted in the drafting and execution of federal search and arrest warrants and prepared complete case packages for prosecutorial review and charging decisions.

  • Detective at Morrow Police Department
    Feb 2015 - Oct 2022 · 7 yrs 9 mos

    Supervised investigations and patrol personnel handling felony cases while serving as a primary K-9 handler for narcotics detection and suspect apprehension. Ensured investigations complied with constitutional and evidentiary standards and provided sworn testimony in Superior Court regarding searches, seizures, and K-9 deployments.

  • Firefighter at Clayton County Fire & Emergency Services
    Jul 2012 - Dec 2014 · 2 yrs 6 mos

    Arson Investigation