DETROIT -- Embattled Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is establishing a legal defense fund called The Detroit Justice Fund to pay his mounting legal bills.

A high-ranking mayoral aide told LOCAL 4's Derricke Dennis Wednesday night the Detroit Justice Fund will be announced Thursday.

"Of course, all fundraising requirements will be met," said the official. "There will be no set donation amounts."

Kilpatrick is being represented by Chicago defense lawyer Dan Webb, who reportedly charges $700 per hour for his services.

The mayor is charged with perjury, conspiracy, obstruction of justice and misconduct in connection with the firing of Detroit police officers Gary Brown and Harold Nelthrope, as well as his apparent affair with his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty.

It's alleged Kilpatrick lied under oath in the officer's whistleblower lawsuit trial that eventually cost the city more than $9 million.

Rich Robinson with the Michigan Campaign Finance Network says a legal defense fund on behalf of the mayor is not illegal or improper.

"He would be able to take money from basically any sources with no limits on contributions," said Robinson.

A legal defense fund would have to be created as a nonprofit organization, with one of the few stipulations being high-dollar donors with contributions over $5,000 would have to be listed on a tax return.

"And we won't see a 2008 tax return until very late in 2009, so we're gonna have a really hard time following the money as events are unfolding," said Robinson.

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