California Code, Government Code - GOV § 24004.5

Nothing in Section 24004 shall be construed to prohibit a deputy sheriff who is otherwise qualified to practice law from: (a) giving legal advice to his or her employer when directed to do so within the course and scope of his or her employment, or (b) representing any person; provided, that the deputy shall not represent any person in any criminal matter, in any matter concerning an event or transaction if the deputy has performed or has reason to know he or she will perform any act relating to such event or transaction in the performance of his or her duties, or in any matter adverse to his or her employing agency.

Nothing in this section shall prohibit the employing agency from taking appropriate disciplinary action against any deputy sheriff whose practice of law exceeds the above limitations.