The Office of Legal Affairs consists of two attorneys: Cassandra L. Denmark, Director, and David S. Bergdoll, Staff Attorney; and includes two support staff, Marilyn Craig, Legal Assistant, Becky Touchton, Legal Secretary, and Erica Joiner, Part-time Clerk.

The Office of Legal Affairs handles:

• State forfeitures for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Mulberry Police Department, and HIDTA Task Force (including all motions, hearings, trials, depositions, etc.)
• Pending civil litigation (consisting of inmate suits, employee matters, and personal injury). Coordinate witnesses, schedule depositions, and the discovery process with outside counsel and outside investigator. Attends all court hearings, depositions, meetings with witnesses, and trials concerning civil litigation
• Inmate  requests to have a conviction reviewed by state or federal judges (Habeas Corpus matters)
• Public Record requests
• Contract matters involving the PCSO and other entities
• Animal litigation (Preliminary Hearings, Final Hearings, dangerous dog appeals, major dangerous dog Preliminary Hearings, and a number of barking dog hearings)
• Class Actions suits (for example: body armor)
• Prepares Legal Bulletins for disbursement to Sheriff’s Office members
• Disburses Legal Bulletins from other agencies
• Petitions to Expunge/Seal Records in criminal cases
• Handles Garnishment cases on behalf of PCSO
• Gives legal advice to members concerning Sheriff’s Office matters
• Coordinates with the State Attorney’s Office, PCSO members, and the Property/Evidence Unit (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

During calendar year 2005 the Office of Legal Affairs successfully recovered $265,705.09 in United States Currency, twelve (12) vehicles, one (1) computer, two (2) four-wheelers, surveillance equipment, and one (1) box trailer.

As of July 31, 2006, the Office of Legal Affairs has successfully recovered $91,835.06 in United States Currency, five (5) vehicles, one (1) trailer, one (1) 42” Hitachi Plasma television, and one (1) Dell laptop notebook computer. As of July 31, 2006, the Office of Legal Affairs has successfully litigated animal cases and recovered $2,701.00 and is actively pursuing court order restitution. 

 Director:

• Coordinates the office schedule with the Judges calendar, schedule hearings, and other events.
• 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 presentation programs.
• Manages all aspects of legal compliance within the PCSO
• 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 for legal sufficiency and fairness to the interest of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Staff Attorney:

• Reads and approves General Orders/Division Directives and forms
• Maintains liaison to State Attorney’s Office and County Attorney’s Office, and other government entities
• Provides legal bulletins to members
• Performs liaison functions on legislation
• Represents PCSO in quasi-criminal/civil, and criminal cases including dog cases, forfeitures, and small claim cases
• Represents PCSO in major lawsuits
• Does Emergency Petitions and Hearings
• Acts as liaison with other attorneys
• Reviews and negotiates contracts
• Analyzes public records requests
• Responds to shootings/serious accidents involving PCSO personnel
• Obtains Warrants for blood borne pathogen tests and Baker Acts.
• Manages minor claim resolutions