CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFENSE OF CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICERS; APPOINTMENT OF COUNSEL (§ 15.2-1606)

In the event that any treasurer, sheriff, attorney for the Commonwealth, clerk
of the circuit court or commissioner of the revenue, or any deputy or assistant
of any of such officers, is made defendant in any civil action arising out of
the performance of his official duties and does not have legal defense provided
under the insurance coverage of his office, such officer, or deputy or assistant
thereto, may make application to the circuit court for the county or city in
which he serves to assign counsel for his defense in such action. The court may,
upon good cause shown, make such orders respecting the employment of an attorney
or attorneys, including the attorney for the Commonwealth, as may be
appropriate, and fix his compensation. Reimbursement of any expenses incurred in
the defense of such charge may also be allowed by the court. Such legal fees and
expenses shall be paid from the treasury of the county or city, and
reimbursement shall be made from the Compensation Board in the proportions set
out in § 15.2-1636.14.

HISTORY: 1977, c. 554, § 15.1-66.4; 1985, c. 321; 1997, c. 587.