An attorney who works with the Camp Verde Marshal’s Office and other law enforcement agencies around Arizona described in depth last week what services his firm provides that go beyond what the town’s attorney can do.
The current town budget sets aside $20,000 for legal services for the Marshal’s Office.
Eric Edwards, an attorney with Tucson-based Edwards and Ginn, said money spent now could save the town much more down the line in terms of avoided potential litigation.
“Our goal is to save you the cost of litigation, not just the money but the years involved with litigation,” Edwards told the Town Council at a Sept. 9 work session.
Mayor Charlie German said he wanted to give the Marshal’s Office and the law firm a chance to explain their relationship after issues over the necessity of paying for a separate lawyer were questioned as this year’s budget was being hammered out.
“The number one service we provide to you is being available 24/7, 365 days a year,” Edwards said. “We also get a fair number of calls from civilians. People asking about the legal right to kick in the door or take a baby away out of dad’s hands and turn it over to mom.”
To read the full story, see the Wednesday, Sept. 16, edition of The Camp Verde Journal.
