Minnesota § 471.44 - MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPLY COUNSEL FOR POLICE, PEACE OFFICERS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 471.44 — MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPLY COUNSEL FOR POLICE, PEACE OFFICERS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 471.44. MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPLY COUNSEL FOR POLICE, PEACE OFFICERS
Subdivision 1.Costs in defense of legal action.
On and after the passage of Laws 1937, chapter 442, every city, town, or county of this state employing sheriffs, police officers, or peace officers shall be required to furnish legal counsel to defend any sheriff, deputy sheriff, police officer, or peace officer employed by any such governmental subdivision in all actions brought against such officer to recover damages for alleged false arrest or alleged injury to person, property or character, when such alleged false arrest or alleged injury to person, property or character was the result of an arrest made by such officer in good faith and in the performance of official duties and pay the reasonable costs and expenses of defending such suit, including witness fees and reasonable counsel fees, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the laws of this state or in the charter of any such governmental subdivision.
Subd. 2.Costs in defense of civilian complaints.
A home rule charter or statutory city, town, or county that establishes a peace officer civilian review authority to review civilian complaints about alleged peace officer misconduct shall pay the reasonable costs of legal counsel and reasonable fees incurred by the officer in defending against a complaint after a finding that the complaint is sustained by the authority, and if the complaint is subsequently not upheld. If a complaint against a peace officer is sustained, no payment may be made under this subdivision.
History:
(1933-81) 1937 c 442 s 1; 1947 c 390 s 1; 1973 c 123 art 5 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1993 c 220 s 1; 2004 c 200 s 1
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 471.44
What does Minnesota Statutes § 471.44 cover?
Section 471.44 ("MUNICIPALITY TO SUPPLY COUNSEL FOR POLICE, PEACE OFFICERS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 471.44?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 471.44" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 471.44 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.