Sudent Legal Aid Office

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you represent me in court?
No. However, the attorney will provide you with advice and information about your legal problem and can provide references to private attorneys if your case warrants it.
Can you help me even if it happened out of state?
The attorney can provide advice, but sometimes will recommend you seek counsel from an attorney more familiar with the laws of that state.
What constitutes a conflict of interest?
The Student Legal Aid Office serves all undergraduates, so it is a conflict of interest if your opposing party is also an undergraduate student. If you aren't sure or think there may be a special circumstance, please visit the office.
Do I need to bring my paperwork?
Yes, please bring all paperwork (e.g. citations, leases, correspondence) you think may be relevant to the situation.
Why do I need my student ID?
The Student Legal Aid Office only receives funding to serve currently-enrolled undergraduate students, so we need your student ID to confirm your registration status.
I just have a quick question — why do I have to fill out paperwork?
The Student Legal Aid Office maintains records for internal purposes, and to better assist returning clients.
Should I hire an attorney?
The attorney can advise you on the best course of action.
Am I eligible for a public defender?
The attorney can advise on the possibility, but it is ultimately up to the local jurisdiction as to whether you meet their financial requirements.
Will the university find out about my outside legal case?
Possibly, but never from the Student Legal Aid Office.
I've never been in trouble before. Will that help?
Maybe. Common sense dictates that people with a clean record will be better off than those with prior charges, but there are no guarantees. Make sure you inform the attorney of any prior charges/convictions, because the attorney's advice can be affected by prior incidents.
Can I seek a second opinion?
You are free to seek counsel from any outside attorney.
Can I get a referral to an outside attorney?
The attorney can frequently provide references for local attorneys with experience in specific legal fields.
Can you look over my lease before I sign it?
Yes, but it is important that you have read it first to determine any questions you might have for the attorney.
Will my parents find out? Do I have to tell them?
The Student Legal Aid Office will never contact your parents. If they call the office, we will only speak to them with your authorization.
If I apply for a job and the application asks if I've ever been charged/convicted, what should I write?
You should answer the question honestly.
If I receive "probation before judgement" in my court case and it's expunged from my record will anyone be able to find out?
Officially no, but realistically, maybe. The presence of electronic records maintained by private busineeses means there's no longer a guarantee something wiped from your court and police records will never be found.
Do I need an appointment?
No. Walk-in hours can be found in the sidebar on the right-hand side of the page.
Is this service free?
Yes. The Student Legal Aid Office is funded by the Student Government Association through undergraduate student fees.