Criminal Defense of Dependents Benefit (Two Each Year)

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Who is Eligible This benefit will be provided to a Fund member's eligible dependents (spouse and unmarried dependent children up to age 19, or age 23 when an unmarried full-time student) once the Fund member contacts the Fund office to request that it be provided.This means the dependent (spouse or covered child) is not automatically entitled to legal services for defense against charges included under the benefit, but will receive such services only when the Fund member elects to have the Fund provide them. Use of the Criminal Defense of Dependents Benefit is limited to two matters each calendar year.

What is the Benefit The Legal Services Fund will provide a covered dependent with an attorney from a panel law firm, upon application by the Fund member on behalf of the dependent, when the dependent is facing any Violation, Misdemeanor, or up to a Class B Felony Charge. In addition, this benefit provides legal services for defense against charges arising from acts of civil disobedience, and similar accusations.

Exclusions and Limitations Excluded from the Criminal Defense of Dependents Benefit are the following:

• work-related charges, where the covered dependent is an employee of the City of New York
• any matter for which the Fund member does not wish to provide legal services to his/her covered dependent
• any criminal charge not specifically enumerated as covered by this benefit
• any matter excluded under the Criminal Defense Benefit for covered members (e.g., Traffic Infractions, Appeals, charges outside the Fund's Geographic Area of Coverage).
• charges arising from business or commercial activity, including, but not limited to, a dependent as landlord arrested on the complaint of a tenant; the sale of counterfeit or bootleg products (e.g. CDs, DVDs, handbags, etc.); ticket scalping, automobile chop-shop; operation of unlicensed after hours club; operation of a business causing environmental pollution or operation of a vehicle for hire.

How to Obtain the Benefit To obtain this benefit, you should contact the Fund office on behalf of your covered dependent. An appointment with a panel attorney will be arranged for your dependent, after which time you and the attorney will fill out the appropriate claim forms.

Criminal Traffic Offenses Benefit (One Each Year) Family Court Representation Benefit