Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Maryland

Re: Fourth amendment

The factual question is whether the animal was indeed as you state. Also relevant is the nature of the complaint that gave rise to the investigation by animal control.

Your supervisor consented to your assessment of the breed. Although I am not aware of a specific restriction applying to "wolf-hybrids" I believe that Maryland's animal control has jurisdiction to control a "wolf."

The owners may bring suit for unlawful impound of an animal but will not prevail where the animal is a threat to public safety.

If you are disciplined for an incorrect decision or worse you should contact an attorney.

Re: Fourth amendment

Just an additional thought. If you are worried about the competency of the attorney or conflict of interest, you should talk with the attorney directly about your concerns. Often attorneys in these matters are experienced and often provide good representation for both the governmental entity and the employees. Also, if there is a conflict down the line, the county may pay for separate counsel for you. If you are concerned, you should inquire about the possibility of the county paying for separate counsel.

Re: Fourth amendment

Since you were performing the normal duties of your job, the agency for whom you work should provide you with legal representation and be responsible for any "losses" proven by the plaintiff. I would expect that the government agency would also be a defendant in the suit since they would be a "deeper pocket" than you in terms of the ability to recover damages, and since you were acting on the instructions of your supervisor.