                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

PROVIDING LEGAL FEES AND EXPENSES FOR SHERIFFS AND DEPUTIES (§ 15.2-1607)

If any sheriff or deputy sheriff is arrested or indicted or otherwise prosecuted
on any charge arising out of any act committed in the discharge of his official
duties, and such charge is subsequently dismissed or there is rendered a verdict
of not guilty, such sheriff or deputy sheriff may submit to the governing body
of the locality in which he was elected or appointed a statement of legal fees
and expenses incurred in his defense of such charge. The governing body may
authorize that such legal fees and expenses, or any portion thereof, be paid
from the treasury of such locality. If the affected sheriff or deputy sheriff
disagrees with the action of the governing body, the officer may petition the
circuit court for the county or city to award the fees and cost. The circuit
court, sitting without a jury, shall hold a hearing on the matter. The court for
good cause shown may order the governing body to pay all or any appropriate
portion of the fees and cost.

HISTORY: 1975, c. 30, § 15.1-66.3; 1983, c. 232; 1997, c. 587.