Legal Defense

Welcome to your Lodge 21 Legal Defense Resource. Below you can explore our list of attorneys that are available to represent you in your time of need. You can submit a claim form to the Legal Defense Plan should you have an incident where you anticipate an investigation of misconduct, civil action against you, concealed carry coverage, or potential criminal charges. Please remember that our Legal Defense Plan is for work related incidents, on or off duty. Concealed carry coverage is outlined below in the HR 218 description. If you need any information regarding the coverage available to you, there is a button for the complete Legal Defense Plan Document, as well as a brochure that outlines the coverages available to members and potential members. As of January 1st, 2026, the administrative guidelines will govern the benefits for administrative cases.

There are so many reasons that you are allowed to have a union representative outlined in our CBA. If you are contacted by an investigator of any kind and they tell you that you are not entitled to a union representative, you are not obligated to speak to them or answer questions, because this is a criminal investigation. Always ask, "Is this a criminal investigation?" If it is, you have a right to an attorney, which our legal defense plan provides for our members. Same goes for your supervisors, associate wardens, or other administrators. If you are questioned about your actions, you have a right to a union representative. The supervisors can ask questions to mitigate safety and security issues, but as soon as the questions turn toward what you did, how you did it, or why, it is union rep time.

SUBMIT A CLAIM

***Read Carefully to select the proper claim form to submit***

If you need to file a claim for criminal or civil cases/investigations. Select claim form number 1 and select your attorney from Attorney List #1.

If you need to file a claim for a disciplinary case/investigation for an Incident that occurred prior to January 1st, 2026, Select claim form number 1 and select your attorney from Attorney List #1.

If you need to file a claim for a disciplinary case/investigation for an incident that occurred on or after January 1st. 2026, Select Claim Form 2 and select your attorney from Attorney List #2.

ALL CIVIL AND CRIMINAL,
ADMINISTRATIVE PRIOR TO 2026

CLAIM FORM # 1

ATTORNEY LIST #1

TYPES OF CLAIMS

Administrative Claims- These claims are the most common. Administrative claims consist of allegations of misconduct by the employer that could lead to discipline. You can be questioned as a witness or as the accused. You are entitled to up to 2 representatives of your choosing (Attorney and/or Union).

Criminal Claims- These claims consist of cases where you or another person can be charged with a crime. You can also be questioned as a witness or as the accused. You are entitled to an attorney during questioning.

Civil Claims- These cases are when you are being sued by another party and the state fails to effectively represent you. You are entitled to an attorney for proceedings and in almost all cases, the State will provide you with an attorney. FOP Civil Coverage will monitor the case and intervene if necessary.