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How does the Legal Defense Plan compare to other plans offered in Minnesota?

Legal Defense Plan

Legal Defense Plan Comparison: Plans Offered in MN (last updated Sept. 2010)

FOP State

FOP National

Team Legal

MPPOA
Cost per year- individual

$150.00

$239.00

$86.88a

$96.00
On Duty Coverage- Criminal

YES

YES

YES

YES
On Duty Coverage- Civil Defense

YES

YES

YES

YES
Full On Duty Coverage- Disciplinary/administrative

YES

YES

NO1

NO1b
Full On Duty Coverage- Traffic citations

YES

NO

NO

NO
Full Off Duty Coverage- Criminal

YES

NO1c

NO2

NO
Off Duty Coverage- Administrative/Disciplinary

YES

NO

NO

NO
Off Duty Coverage- Traffic citations

YES

NO

NO

NO
Full Criminal Defense coverage for Spouse

YES

NO

NO

NO
Discounts on personal Legal matters- whole family

YES

NO

NO

NO
Free consultation on any personal legal matter

YES

NO

NO

NO
Uses “attorney lists”

NO2b

YES

YES

YES
Attorney you call must take your case

YES

NO

NO

NO
Uses 1 number for DIRECT 24-7 attorney consultation

YES

NO

NO3

NO3
Coverage limits for attorney fees

NO

YES

YES

NO
Distinguishes between management positions

NO

NO

YES

YES
Covers DUTY RELATED incidents outside MN

NO4

YES

YES

YES
Covers NON DUTY RELATED incidents outside MN

NO4

NO5

NO5

NO
Coverage determined by a “plan administrator Co.”

NO

YES

NO6

NO
Administrated locally

YES

NO

NO6

YES
a. This price may be outdated. This was the price of the former Team Legal Plan over 1 year ago, Teamsters has changed their plan, see footnote 6 below
1. Disciplinary and labor matters are covered by membership in Teamsters.
1b. Does cover POST licensure issues
1c. FOP National has an off duty supplement but is limited to a maximum of $2,500 in legal fees.
2. Does cover off duty situations related to employment status as police officer, for example ordinary DWI is NOT covered.
2b. State FOP plan does have 5 attorneys servicing the plan.
3. Uses one central number, 24/7, but the person answering is NOT an attorney.
4. MN FOP now covers all criminal on & off duty related criminal incidents occurring in Wisconsin, but officer must be employed in MN.
5. Retirees are eligible for HR 218 coverage nationwide, Teamster plan costs extra.
6. Teamsters within last year has changed how this plan is administered- it is no longer Team Legal, it is now Teamsters Legal Defense Fund administered by Teamsters nationally, according to the information I reviewed.

“Full coverage” means NO LIMIT on attorneys fees. State FOP plan has NO LIMITS on attorney fees.

The State FOP plan does have a limit on out of pocket expenses (such as expert witnesses) of $5,000.

Note: The National FOP Legal Plan is almost $90 more expensive for far less coverage compared to the MN FOP State LDP.

What are the benefits of using the FOP Legal Defense Plan?

Benefits for F.O.P. Members:

The Minnesota State Lodge offers its members an expanded Minnesota Legal Defense Plan.
The Minnesota Legal Defense Plan is administered through the State Lodge. The cost is only $150 per year per member.  Under the plan, you will have the security of knowing exactly who your attorney is if an emergency arises, and not have to worry about finding an attorney on a list who will agree to represent you. A number is available to all plan members to contact the firm directly 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Under the Minnesota Legal Defense Plan, more services are covered than under any other plans. For example, previously, only incidents that were “on the job” were covered for criminal and civil representation. Now, any incident, on or off duty that causes a criminal charge, a civil case, or employment discipline will be covered for 100% of attorneys fees, with no limits on the attorneys fees. Further, your spouse will also be covered for full representation for any criminal defense cases. In addition, your household family will have access to greatly discounted legal services for other services that are not covered by the plan.

The Minnesota State Lodge is pleased to offer, and strongly encourages all members to join, the plan to protect yourselves and your family. The investment of the low yearly premium is well worth the benefits of the Plan, and with its expanded benefits and local control by the Minnesota State Lodge, you will be well served and protected by a reputable law firm with ample ability and experience should you need it. The firm is available to answer any further questions you may have directly at 651-287-8883.

You must be a member of a local F.O.P. lodge in order to apply for this plan.  For more information, call 763-432-0839. Credit cards are now being accepted.  Please call the FOP office to use this feature.

How do I become a member of the FOP Legal Defense Plan?

Please fill out the enclosed form with your $150.00 check to the Minnesota State Lodge at P.O. Box 270026, Golden Valley, MN 55427. You must be a member of a local F.O.P. lodge in order to apply for this plan.  For more information, call 763-432-0839. Credit cards are now being accepted.  Please call the FOP office to use this feature.

Download the legal defense application and mail in with application fee.

Download: LDP Application Form.pdf
What legal representation does MNPEA offer for Public Employees across the state?

Through MNPEA, we provide legal representation for Public Employees across the state of Minnesota.

This includes:

  • Attorney Representation at Internal Affairs and Employer Investigations.
  • Attorney Representation at Unemployment and Veterans Preference Hearings.

For more information click the button below.

MNPEA
What is a Critical Incident?

Critical Incidents

If you think you need legal services, DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL, 24/7.  When in doubt, call.

A critical incident is any situation that involves a use of force that results in injury or death, a pursuit leading to injury, or any other action that could result in serious or immediate disciplinary action or criminal investigation.

In a critical incident:

1.  Remain Calm – legal help will assist you soon.

2. Call the number on the front of your card right away.

651.287.8883      All calls will forward directly to an attorney even if after office hours.  If you receive a voice mail message, leave a detailed message with a call back number and your call will be returned within an hour.

3. Do NOT write any reports, give any statements, nor sign or agree to anything until you have contacted your attorney.

4. Do NOT speak with anyone, even your fellow officers, about the facts of the incident until you talk to your attorney.

5. Obtain and review the applicable department policy on firearms and use of force.

What other services do you provide for law enforcement individuals?

Practice areas for law enforcement include: representation of critical incident use of force cases, including high media profile officer involved shootings, use of deadly force cases, officer involved vehicle fatalities, discipline and discharge cases, civil rights and related cases for police officer defense and more.

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3252 Rice Street Little Canada, MN 55126
651•287•8883
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