Click to download the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund Form (pdf).
Teamsters Legal Defense Fund
Facts About Teamsters Legal Defense Fund
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?
Any dues paying member of the Teamsters Union who works in law enforcement - such as Corrections, Dispatchers, Police, Deputy Sheriff.
WHAT DOES Teamsters Legal Defense Fund OFFER?
Nationwide legal assistance for civil and criminal incidents and preparation for Grand jury hearings. You are eligible for Teamsters Legal Defense Fund representation even when you are also defended by attorneys furnished by your employer.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
You can use an attorney of your choosing or select one from the Teamsters Legal Defense Fund network to represent you in both civil and criminal charges and trials arising from duty-related incidents. You can get representation for incidents that occur off-duty or at off-duty employment as long as the incident is duty related
You are covered at 100% regardless of final cost, when you use a Plan Attorney.
Teamsters Legal Defense Fund Covers…
- Defense of criminal charges, including all hearings and appearances before any court of federal, state or local government.
- Internal Affairs investigations which may lead to criminal or civil litigation.
- Advice, consultation and preparation in Grand Jury hearings.
- Defense in civil lawsuits.
- Private investigator costs of up to $1,000.
- $9,500 for pleadings and preparation for trial plus up to $700 per day (maximum $9,5000) for criminal charges even if your attorney is not a plan member.
COST:
Only $86.88 per year
just $7.24 per month!
Questions & Answers
On Teamsters Legal Defense Fund:
Q: Is Teamsters Legal Defense Fund a pre-paid plan?
A: NO, it is a Legal Defense Plan.
Q: Does Teamsters Legal Defense Fund protect us if we are off-duty / moonlighting?
A: YES, as long as you are acting in the capacity of a law enforcement officer.
Q: If I use a non-plan attorney, do I pay a deductible?
A: NO, Teamsters Legal Defense Fund gives first minute coverage. You do not pay any up-front costs or deductibles.
Q: Does Teamsters Legal Defense Fund contract paralegals?
A: NO, only with licensed attorneys.
Q: I was involved in an incident last year. If someone files a lawsuit now does Teamsters Legal Defense Fund cover me?
A: YES, as long as you don’t know about the suit when you became a member of Teamsters Legal Defense Fund.
Q: If I am being sued along with my employer, and my employer provides me with an attorney, will I be covered by Teamsters Legal Defense Fund?
A: YES, it is very important your rights are protected by an attorney who is not an employee of/or picked by your employer.
Q: Will I be covered if I am involved in more than one incident in a year that leads to criminal charges or a civil suit?
A: YES, Teamsters Legal Defense Fund covers you for each separate incident, as if it were the only incident.
Q: Do I have to use the same attorney for both criminal and civil cases?
A: NO, It’s up to you what attorney you want to use. Most criminal attorneys do not handle civil cases. YOU choose the attorney that you feel will best represent your interests in criminal or civil matters.
If your attorney is not a member of Teamsters Legal Defense Fund, you can receive up to $9,500 for legal fees.
If your attorney is a member of Teamsters Legal Defense Fund, you are covered at 100%, regardless of the final cost.
Q: Can my attorney join Teamsters Legal Defense Fund?
A: YES, by simply completing an attorney participant’s form.
Teamsters Legal Defense Fund Plan..
to Protect
and Serve
YOU!
Retired Teamster Law Enforcement Eligibility
Exciting News!!
We were recently informed that the Trustees for the Teamsters Legal Defense Trust have enhanced the legal plan and made it possible for retired Teamster law enforcement members to participate. This benefit is available as a result of the passage of the Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act, known as HR218.
HR218 allows law enforcement officers with at least 10 (ten) years of service,
who retired in good standing, to carry a fire arm anywhere in the United States.
The officer/member must qualify annually through the police agency he or she
retired from and have a current, valid ID card from that agency.
Retired officers wishing to enroll should contact our office for an enrollment application and have the following documents:
1) Proof that they have met the HR218 standards; and
2) The required premium ($7.24 per member per month)
Legal defense plan coverage for retired officers who chose to enroll will be subject to the same eligibility and benefit rules as active employees. Those include, but are not limited to: a) criminal, civil and grand jury coverage on the 1st of the month following receipt of an application and payment; and b) exclusion of coverage for prior incidents of which the officer knew or had reason to believe would result in a claim at the time he or she enrolled.
If you or any of your colleagues are interested in this fantastic opportunity, or if you have additional questions, please contact our office at (319) 365-1461.
Click here to download the Teamster Legal Defense Plan Comparison.