FOP'S LEGAL AID PLAN
The FOP’s Legal Aid Plan is unmatched in its scope and reliability. Every Active and Associate A member receives comprehensive protection without red tape, fine print, or hidden exclusions. All on‑duty incidents are covered. If you were on duty and took lawful police action that resulted in criminal charges, suspension, or civil litigation, you are protected—period. We do not pick and choose which incidents qualify; your duty status is the determining factor.
Our Legal Aid Plan is supported by the region’s most experienced attorneys, all dedicated to safeguarding our members. In many critical incidents, counsel will respond directly to the scene to support and guide you through those first essential moments.
As a member of FOP Lodge #9, when you need legal assistance, you will speak directly with a Lodge #9 representative. We do not use call centers; we believe that speaking with an active or retired law enforcement officer provides the most effective support during the uncertainty that follows a critical incident. Each member receives a Critical Incident Card containing the cell phone numbers of our Critical Incident Team. Our team is available 24/7 to answer questions and ensure you receive the protection you deserve.
We stand firmly behind our Legal Aid Plan, and we stand with our members.
email completed administrative/civil application to mmichalec@ncfoplodge9.com
FOP Legal Aid Plan overview
All Active and Associate A members get criminal, administrative, and civil protection. Check out each category below for some insight into what all is covered.
Criminal
All critical incidents such as shootings (regardless of injury/death), crashes, in-custody injuries, deaths, uses of force, etc. have the potential of resulting in criminal charges against you. While investigations take place, it can be very stressful. While criminal charges are rare, they are a reality in today's policing environment. If you are involved in a critical incident, call us immediately. If you're not sure if you need coverage, call us and let us walk you through your options. Our Critical Incident Team is well educated on triaging matters to ensure you get the help you need.
Administrative
Administrative hearings are very common and can cover both administrative/policy violations and potential criminal offense investigations. These are internal hearings conducted by law enforcement agencies typically through their Internal Affairs bureau. Here, employees can receive disciplinary action from minor corrective action through termination of employment. In Charlotte, CMPD officers have Civil Service Protection, while other agencies do not. Our Legal Aid Plan provides an attorney to represent you during and after the conclusion of administrative hearings. including Civil Service appeals and appeals permissible by your employer. Our plan also covers you in the event the NC Training & Standards Commission reviews your law enforcement (BLET) certification.
Civil
After the dust settles and investigations conclude, families often file a civil suit against involved law enforcement officers and their agency. The FOP Legal Aid Plan covers you in the event your agency or municipality does not. In most cases, your agency/municipality will represent you in any civil case stemming from an on-duty incident and this plan is rarely needed. However, in the event they refuse to cover you, the FOP has your back.
Criminal and civil matters are covered through the National FOP Legal Aid Plan, while administrative coverage is provided by the North Carolina State FOP.
Please note that the Legal Aid Plan applies only to incidents that occur while you are acting in the performance of your official duties. It does not cover off‑duty incidents. For example, an arrest for driving while impaired while on vacation would fall outside the scope of the plan.
Additionally, the plan does not cover personal legal matters, including situations where you intend to file a lawsuit against a private individual, business, your agency, or its representatives.
If you are experiencing a workplace-related issue, you are encouraged to contact us directly. In some cases, our Lodge may be able to assist; however, support is not guaranteed and is evaluated on a case‑by‑case basis.