Sheriff, deputy sheriff, or county medical examiner licensed to practice law; prohibited conduct; exceptions; violation as civil infraction; penalty.

Sec. 586. (1) A sheriff, deputy sheriff, or county medical examiner licensed to practice law in this state shall not do either of the following: (a) Serve process in an action in which he or she acts as attorney or counsel for a party. (b) Appear in court as attorney or counsel for a criminal defendant, except in a criminal or civil contempt proceeding. (2) This section does not prohibit either of the following: (a) A county from limiting or prohibiting the practice of law by a sheriff, deputy sheriff, or county medical examiner. (b) A sheriff from limiting or prohibiting the practice of law by a deputy sheriff. (3) A person who violates subsection (1) is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.