As 2014 draws to an end, I thought I would take this opportunity to say a few things about the FOP Legal Defense Plan.

No other Legal Defense Plan provides as much coverage to law enforcement officers as the FOP Legal Defense Plan.  FOP attorneys are available to FOP members for a variety of needs and are available 24/7.

Going into 2015, I would like to tell FOP members that NO MATTER IS TOO INSIGNIFICANT to take advantage of the services provided through the FOP Legal Defense Plan.  Members are encouraged to call their FOP Legal Defense Plan attorney for anything involving the administrative disciplinary process.  This includes statements (whether accused or witness), disciplinary hearings, Rule IX hearings, Accident Review Board hearings, Civil Service extension hearings, and anything else dealing with the disciplinary process.  No matter is too minor.  Sometimes the most innocuous matters have broader implications.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also offers a Salary Reimbursement Option (SRO) to its members.  The Salary Reimbursement Option allows members to recover up to five (5) suspension days in lieu of appeal.  YOU MUST BE REPRESENTED BY AN FOP ATTORNEY THROUGHOUT THE PROCESS TO QUALIFY FOR THE SALARY REIMBURSEMENT OPTION.  For example, if you are represented by an FOP attorney in a DI-1 investigation for missing court and you receive a one (1) day suspension.  If, after consulting with your FOP attorney, you decide that your chances of success on appeal are slim, the FOP will reimburse you $150 for your one day suspension.  The FOP Salary Reimbursement Option will cover up to five suspension days at $150 per day.  Of course, if it will be beneficial to file an appeal with Civil Service, your FOP attorney will be able to guide you in the right direction.

In addition to legal representation in the disciplinary process, the FOP attorneys are available to assist officers with a myriad of different issues.  I have helped officers with promotions, injuries, reinstatements, grievances, etc., etc., etc.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also provides notary services to its members at no cost.

The FOP Legal Defense Plan also provides up to two hours of legal services for any legal matter that would not normally be covered by the Legal Defense Plan.  For example, wills, power of attorney, divorces, etc.

Finally, we have also assisted many officers in legal cases involving automobile accidents, motorcycle accidents, and other types of personal injuries.  The firm of Livaccari Villarrubia Lemmon, LLC consists of myself and my father.  My father has been practicing personal injury law for over thirty years, initially representing insurance companies and for the past 20+ years representing plaintiffs in personal injury actions.  The benefit of working with an attorney who you know and trust can not be overstated.

My phone number is widely available and is on your membership card.  As a former police officer, I feel as though I am able to provide a unique understanding and knowledge-base when handling matters involving members of the FOP.

Livaccari Villarrubia Lemmon, LLC
101 W. Robert E. Lee Blvd.
Suite 402
New Orleans, LA 70124
504-488-3702

Going back through 2014, I, as an FOP attorney represented 382 individual police officers (roughly 30-35% of all New Orleans Police Department officers) through the FOP Legal Defense Plan in the following capacities (figures are slightly underestimated):

Accident Review Board – 36
Disciplinary Hearings – 72
Recorded Statements – 213
Rule 9 Hearings – 23
Notary Services – 95