§ 2-728. Expenses; attorney's fees and costs.

(a)

If the county initiates an action under this article or assumes control of an action brought by a qui tam plaintiff under this article, and the county prevails in such action, the county shall be awarded its reasonable attorney's fees, expenses, and costs.

(b)

If the court awards the qui tam plaintiff proceeds under this article, the person shall also be awarded an amount for reasonable attorney's fees and costs. Payment for reasonable attorney's fees and costs shall be made from the recovered proceeds before the distribution of any award.

(c)

If the county does not proceed with an action under this article and the defendant is the prevailing party, the court shall award the defendant reasonable attorney's fees and costs against the qui tam plaintiff.

(d)

No liability shall be incurred by the county for any expenses, attorney's fees, or other costs incurred by any person in bringing or defending an action under this article, except as otherwise specifically provided by law.

( Ord. No. 002-2009, § 1 )