CSLEA Legal Defense Fund More than $2.5 Million Strong
Summary of 2023 Annual Report
“This fund is an example of the strength of our union and is of great importance to CSLEA members who suddenly find themselves in need of legal assistance for criminal or civil matters arising from the course and scope of employment. The CSLEA Legal Defense Fund is part of the ‘career insurance’ CSLEA often speaks of. No law enforcement, public safety or consumer protection professional should be without it.”-Alan Barcelona, CSLEA President
SACRAMENTO – Each year, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) advises members of the status of the CSLEA Legal Defense Fund. Below you will find a link to the Summary Annual Report (SAR) for the year ending December 31, 2023.
The SAR shows the value of the plan’s assets, , after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $2,532,626 as of December 31, 2023, compared to $2,155,102 as of January 1, 2023.
For those not familiar, the CSLEA LDF Plan is designed to provide legal assistance to CSLEA members for criminal and civil matters arising out of the course and scope of their employment. LDF may also be used in cases of major importance that impact the CSLEA membership and plan participants.
Experienced LDF Panel Attorneys from reputable law firms throughout the state provide defense in civil and criminal prosecutions of members. Only those attorneys who have a demonstrated track-record in successfully defending public safety members become part of the CSLEA LDF Panel. These firms have agreed to make their attorneys available to CSLEA members at any time of day or night and are therefore, willing to respond to incidents such as officer-involved shootings which often occur in the middle of the night. The plan also funds affirmative relief and cases of major importance such as POBR violations and pension attacks.
“Legal defense cases can take a very long time to resolve, sometimes years,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “This fund is necessary so that our members can have the best legal defense possible for as long as it is needed. The LDF has been used to defend CSLEA members in criminal and civil proceedings. Given the nature of our duties, it’s so very important to have access to this fund.”
LDF can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-800-533-5448.
