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The Office of Legal Affairs handles:
- State forfeitures for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Mulberry Police Department, Auburndale Police Department, and the HIDTA Task Force
- Pending civil litigation (consisting of inmate suits, employee matters, personal injury), and coordinates witnesses, depositions, and the discovery process with outside counsel and outside investigator
- Inmate Habeas Corpus matters
- Writs of Mandamus
- 119 Requests
- Contract matters involving the PCSO and other entities
- Animal litigation
- Petitions and Orders regarding the immediate screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and C viruses, and any other sexually transmissible diseases when Deputy Sheriff’s and/or Detention Deputies has been exposed
- Class Action suits (for example: body armor)
- Prepare Legal Bulletins for distribution to Sheriff’s Office members
- Disburses Legal Bulletins from other agencies
- Petitions to Expunge/Seal Records
- Handle Garnishment cases on behalf of PCSO
- Legal Advice to members concerning Sheriff’s Office matters
- Handle miscellaneous inmate issues
- Coordinates with the State Attorney’s Office, PCSO members, and Property/Evidence Unit, and files responses and prepares Orders on Motions for Return of Property
- Prepare Motions and Orders on Narcotics Transfers to other agencies; including scheduling meeting with Attorney, Duty Judge, and Case Agent for approval of Order
- Research and prepare legal memorandum on matters requested by agency members
During calendar year 2009 the Office of Legal Affairs successfully recovered $301,894.42 in United States Currency, sixteen (16) vehicles, one (1) 1983 GMC Dump truck, six (6) firearms, twelve (12) flat screen televisions, one (1) computer, one (1) computer screen, one (1) computer tower, one (1) Polaris ATV, one (1) Honda Dirt Bike, a single axle flatbed trailer with winch and lift, one (1) cargo trailer, one (1) trailer, one (1) cargo craft, one (1) lawnmower, three (3) chainsaws, one (1) pole saw, two (2) backpack blowers, two (2) backpack sprayers, three (3) weedeaters, miscellaneous CD’s, CD players, writing board, antenna, miscellaneous cables, Denon surround sound system, DVD player, reciprocating saw, miscellaneous jewelry, and other miscellaneous equipment. As of February 28, 2010, the Office of Legal Affairs has successfully recovered $3,273.00.
During calendar year 2009 the Office of Legal Affairs successfully recovered a 2005 Dodge Charger and $4,448.00 for Auburndale Police Department and $13,485.00 for Mulberry Police Department In addition, the Office of Legal Affairs successfully recovered and disbursed to each agency participating in the HIDTA Task Force approximately $15,686.75 in United States Currency.
During calendar year 2009 the Office of Legal Affairs successfully litigated and collected $13,487.54 in United States Currency on animal cruelty cases. As of February 28, 2010, the Office of Legal Affairs has successfully litigated and recovered $1,590.00 on animal cruelty cases and is pursuing court ordered restitution.
During calendar year 2009 the Office of Legal Affairs recovered $1,250.00 on behalf of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Fiscal Services Division from previous members. As of February 28, 2010, the Office of Legal Affairs has recovered $539.81.
Director:
- Serves as liaison to the State Attorney’s Office and other private, governmental, and judicial entities on behalf of the Sheriff’s Office
- Oversees researching and preparing reports on statistics and other legal matters
- Prepares and conducts public presentations programs
- Manages all aspects of legal compliance within the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Responds to information requests under F.S. §119 and information subpoenas
- Responds to proceedings served on the Sheriff and Chief of Staff of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
- Responds to depositions
- Accompanies Deputy Sheriffs during critical warrants and accidents to provide legal counsel
- Reviews and negotiates contracts of legal sufficiency and fairness to the interest of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office
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