ARRAIGNMENT ASSISTANCE – TELEPHONE CONSULTATION BENEFIT

 

Who is Eligible?

Any covered member or eligible dependent who is a defendant in a criminal proceeding in Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Rockland, Nassau and Suffolk Counties or the boroughs of New York City, is covered by this benefit.

 

What is the Benefit?

The Legal Services Fund provides coverage through the panel law firm for necessary legal assistance by telephone consultation arising from an arrest which may lead to immediate imprisonment.

This benefit provides, for example, the legal defense cost of the assistance by an attorney where the member and/or dependent is charged as the defendant in a criminal matter. It is important to note, however, that this benefit DOES NOT cover the costs of legal assistance beyond the arraignment telephone consultation stage. Thus, if the member and/or dependent is interested in obtaining legal services beyond the arraignment stage, he/she must make the necessary arrangements directly with the panel law firm or retain another attorney of his/her choice.

 

The following schedule indicates the legal services available and the amount to be paid by the member in each circumstance:

STEPS IN THE LEGAL PROCESS PROVIDED BY THE FUND THROUGH AMOUNT PAID THE PANEL LAW FIRM BY FUND MEMBER

A. Consultation ...................................................$0
 

How is the Arraignment Assistance – Telephone Consultation Benefit Obtained?

The Legal Services Fund has arranged for the Arraignment Assistance – Telephone Consultation Benefit to be provided on an emergency twenty-four (24) hour basis via our

ARRAIGNMENT HOTLINE TELEPHONE NUMBER CALL: 914-997-1576