BENEFIT PLAN
V
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I just separated from service, and was
denied a CCW, can I still join
RAM/LDF to appeal the denial?
A. Yes. RAM/LDF will allow you 10 days following
your separation
from service to join RAM/LDF and obtain
representation for the
appeal. This 10 day retroactive coverage is only
available to
individuals who were PORAC LDF members
immediately prior to
retirement.
Q. Presently, I work as a private security
guard/private investigator; will thiscoverage
apply to me?
A. RAM/LDF coverage does not apply to any
actions you take while
employed in any capacity. The Plan covers you
for shootings which
occur while not working and in self defense, or
defense of others.
Q. I am fully retired but have returned to work
part time as a peace officer.
Will this coverage apply to me?
A. No. If you are working as a part-time/reserve
peace officer, you must
be enrolled in another LDF benefit plan to cover
you for actions
within the scope of employment. While off duty,
RAM/LDF coverage
would provide a legal defense for any discharge
of a firearm taken in
self defense, or defense of others.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. In addition to the cost of PORAC RAM
membership, RAM/LDF
coverage costs $48.00 per member per year.
Q. What are the criteria needed to join?
A. You must be a retired peace officer, and a
member of PORAC RAM.
Q. Will this protect me outside the State of
California?
A. Yes, so long as you meet all of the
requirements under the plan and
are not subject to any of the exclusions,
RAM/LDF will provide you
with legal representation arising out of any
covered action within the
United States.
Q. Do I have to join PORAC RAM in order to
obtain access to this LDF plan?
A. Yes.
Q. Are their limits or caps to the benefits
available?
A. No. As with any benefit plan provided by LDF,
there are no predetermined
monetary limitations or caps on the attorney
fees or costs
reasonably needed to represent you.
Q. Can I choose the attorney who will represent
me?
A. No. LDF will select the appropriate qualified
attorney to represent
you.
Q. Must I be retired in order to participate in
this plan?
A. Yes.
Q. In the event of an emergency, can I access an
attorney 24 hours a day?
A. So long as the event occurred within the
geographic scope of
coverage (i.e. most of the United States), an
attorney will be available
to you on an emergency basis 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. If
outside the area where LDF presently has panel
attorneys, one will be
found and engaged to represent you within a
reasonable period of
time.
Q. If I have to use my weapon to defend myself,
and I am later criminally
charged for doing so, will RAM/LDF pay for my
attorney?
A. Yes. So long as you meet all of the
requirements under the plan, and
are not subject to any of the exclusions, then
RAM/LDF will pay for
your entire attorney fees needed to represent
you.
Q. What does the civil coverage include?
A. If you discharge a firearm in self defense or
defense of others, and you
later get sued for that shooting, RAM/LDF will
fully defend you in
that lawsuit. LDF will not “indemnify” (i.e. pay
the judgment or
settlement amount), but only defend.
Q. Are there any deductibles?
A. No. You pay nothing out of pocket.
