Andrew N. Bourne, Esq., a partner at Cohen Ziffer Frenchman & McKenna. Courtesy photo.

Professional liability insurance policies may provide coverage for criminal proceedings, including defense costs incurred defending against criminal indictments. Corporate policyholders, and individuals covered under professional liability policies, should know exactly what type of claims are insured. Thoroughly reading the policy is an important first step, but the analysis should not end there. Policyholders are advised to engage specialized coverage counsel, well-versed in professional liability policies, to understand the full scope of benefits, and limitations, of their specific policy. Doing so can open the door to insurance benefits for criminal defendants not fully appreciated by the policyholder or their defense counsel.