Training

Provides training to union leaders and attorneys on law enforcement representation.

Legal Updates

Furnishes regular Legal Updates to I.U.P.A. attorneys and union leaders.

Publications

Publishes articles and pamphlets educating law enforcement officers and union leaders on law enforcement representation.

Assistance

Provides legal assistance to law enforcement officers and union leaders on law enforcement legal concerns.

Representation

Represents parties, in both criminal and civil matters, in cases of interest to the law enforcement profession.

Briefs & Pleadings

Files amicus briefs in cases of interest to the law enforcement profession in the U.S. Supreme Court and other appellate courts.

I.U.P.A. Legal Defense Fund (LDF)

Criminal

Full representation by an experienced criminal attorney from the outset of the investigation through the conclusion of trial.
This benefit is available no matter what agency does the investigation:
Local
State
Federal
FBI

Civil

When your employer defends, but does not agree to wholly indemnify you, the Legal Defense Fund will provide an experienced attorney to monitor your case. This means that the attorney is available to answer your questions about the case, review the pleadings and discovery, watch for conflicts between you and your employer, and monitor for inadequate representation.

You will be provided with independent counsel by the Legal Defense Fund if there is:
A legal conflict of interest between you and your employer;
Inadequate representation by your employer;
A considerable likelihood that punitive damages could be awarded against you; or,
If your employer refuses to represent you for an act or omission within the scope of your employment.

Costs

There are no co-pays, no caps, and no deductibles for covered services.

At I.U.P.A.

We don’t just represent officers—we defend their rights, reputations, and futures.

Meet Our Legal Team

General Counsel: Maria Kazouris

Maria is a native of Tarpon Springs, Florida and a graduate of Tarpon Springs High School. She also attended secondary school at the St. Nicholas Greek School where she was honored as a Lady’s Philoptochos Fellowship recipient. She is bilingual in Greek. Maria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida with a 3.86 GPA …

View Full Biography

Legal Information

To contact the I.U.P.A. Legal Department, call 941-487-2560 and ask for the Legal Department.

Protecting Employee Statements

Garrity Rights

The basic premise of the Garrity protection is straightforward: First, an Officer cannot be compelled, by the threat of serious discipline, to make statements that may be used in a subsequent criminal proceeding; Second, an Officer cannot be terminated for refusing to waive his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent. The practical application of Garrity, however, has been complicated and uncertain.

Cell Usage Guidelines

Personal Use of Cell Phones

Be careful in your use of your personal cell phone while on duty. When it comes to use of your personal cell phone, “personal” may not mean “private.” Be cautious with your communications while on-duty. This applies to texts and emails as well. In today’s climate, innocent messages can be spun to work against you. Your best option may be to keep your private cell phone communications to a minimum while on duty.

Vehicle Search Law Update

Supreme Court Changes Law on Vehicle Searches

Recently the Supreme Court threw out decades of case law involving searches incident to a vehicle stop and arrest. In Gant v. Arizona, the officers had stopped and arrested a suspect for driving with a suspended license. As a result of the arrest, they searched the car and found drugs. This common occurrence caused the Supreme Court to revisit the law surrounding vehicle searches, and to formulate a new rule regarding these searches.

Doctor’s Note Guidelines

Medical Diagnosis requirements in Doctor’s Notes

Often employers require doctor’s notes if employees are required to use sick leave for extended periods of time. However, a recent trend has arisen where employers are requiring employees to disclose their specific illness or a “medical diagnosis” along with a doctor’s note before they are allowed to return to work. This requirement, however, may run afoul with the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The I.U.P.A. Legal Department provides a variety of robust legal services to our members.

Legal Department