One of the most important benefits of being a member of the Coastal Florida PBA/PEA is legal assistance. The following services are provided to our members through the Coastal Florida PBA/PEA and/or the Florida PBA.

Legal Representation

Discipline and/or termination. The Coastal Florida PBA/PEA will provide assistance if you are suspended, demoted or dismissed by your Agency.

If you are the subject of a certification disciplinary case or inquiry from the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC), the Coastal Florida PBA/PEA or the Florida PBA will provide you legal assistance at all three stages of the process, including the probable cause hearing, the administrative case and the final hearing before the full CJSTC.

Legal Defense

Shootings/Serious Accidents. If you are involved in a duty-related shooting incident, an on-duty vehicle crash or other accident which results in a serious injury to another person, the Coastal Florida PBA/PEA will provide an “on-scene” attorney and will assist in any internal, criminal investigation or questioning about the incident.

Civil Suits/Criminal Actions. If you are sued civilly, subject to a grand jury investigation, or criminal action for an incident arising out of and within the scope of your law enforcement duties, the Coastal Florida PBA/PEA may provide an attorney to represent you and cover the costs of defending the case against you.

One must be a member in good standing at the time of the incident and must remain so during the course of all subsequent legal action regarding the specific incident or matter.

Policy Documents

For further information regarding eligibility and scope and limitations of assistance, please refer to the documents below or call our office at (386) 304-2393.

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Emergency Contact Information

If you are a member and have been involved in a critical incident requiring immediate attention, such as a shooting, serious vehicle crash or in-custody death, an on-call staff member will be available to you 24/7/365. Call 1-800-625-5451 and ask for immediate representation.

Our 24-hour call-back service is available for critical incidents only. All other non-emergency calls for service will be returned during regular business hours.

There are specific terms, conditions and exclusions regarding representation. Click for more information on the legal services provided by the CFPBA/PEA and your statutory rights as a law enforcement officer or public employee. If you have further questions regarding our legal policy or your rights, contact us.

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