(a) Generally. Public safety employees and inspectors may retain defense counsel in a criminal prosecution in which the employee is named as a defendant. The County may not provide legal representation for the employee.
(b) Funds for retainer. On written request of an employee, the County shall advance funds in an amount not to exceed $1,000 required by the employee as a retainer for legal representation. The retainer funds advanced shall become a debt of the employee in favor of the County if there is not a favorable final determination. Funds advanced by the County under this subsection shall be secured by the collateral the County considers appropriate, including the assignment of the employee's accrued retirement contributions and evidenced by a confessed judgment promissory note executed by the employee and the employee's spouse.
(1985 Code, Art. 2, § 6-104) (Bill No. 13-89; Bill No. 4-90; Bill No. 95-91)