FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

More coming soon!

Q: Is The Center for Student Legal Services a real law office?

A: Yes! We staff three licensed attorneys who are here to help you in any way they can. Read about them here.

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Q: How do I get an appointment to see a lawyer?

A: Call (740) 594-8093 to schedule an appointment. We will check to see if you have paid your fee when you call; if you have paid we will make you an appointment. You must call to make an appointment; we are unable to make appointments through email or our website.

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Q: What do I need to bring to my appointment?

A: Please bring any paperwork relevant to your case. If you received a citation or were arrested, bring your ticket or any paperwork having to do with your case. If you are seeing a lawyer about a housing or landlord issue, please bring your lease or any other applicable papers.

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Q: How do I know if I paid my fee?

A: Many students never see their tuition bill because it is paid by parents or a scholarship. If you aren`t sure that your fee was paid, just call our office. We will be able to look up your name to see if you are on the paid list. Please encourage whoever pays your tuition to pay the fee! For more information about the fee, click here.

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Q: How do I register online?

A: After making an appointment, go to http://www.cslsregister.org and fill out the form provided. If you will not have access to a computer before your appointment, come in a few minutes early and register on our computer in the office.

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Q: Why do I need to register online?

A: Registering online gives the attorney you will be seeing some basic information about why you are coming in so they can prepare for your appointment. You need to provide us with your address and phone number when you register so we know how to contact you regarding your legal issue. All information is confidential.

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Q: Is registering online secure? Is my information private?

A:The CSLS web registration system uses SSL (Secured Sockets Layer) to protect your private information. SSL works by using a public key to encrypt data that`s transferred over the SSL connection. We assure you that your information is safe and encourage you to submit your information. Your information is confidential and cannot be shared with anyone outside CSLS without your written permission. If you do not feel confortable submitting your information, please call us at 594-8093 or talk to us at the time of your appointment.

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Q: Do I need to pay any more money after I pay my $8.00 fee??

A: After you have paid your $8.00 fee, you will receive all our services for the quarter and do not need to pay your attorney anything further. However, if you are involved in a criminal or civil court case, you may have to pay court fees, a fine, or other costs related to your case. Your attorney will inform you of possible costs.

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Q: Are there limitations on the services provided?

A: The following are limits on services provided:

  • You must be enrolled as a student to use this service by paying $8 per quarter
  • The managing attorney has discretion regarding representation
  • Service is available only for cases within Athens County
  • Litigation is available only for landlord-tenant, criminal defense, and consumer disputes (landlord-tenant dispute representation available only to students residing in non-university housing, while advice is available to all enrollees)
  • By law, CSLS cannot provide representation in cases involving Ohio University or agents of the State of Ohio
  • CSLS does not represent or advise one student against another. If a victim of crime is an O.U. student, CSLS can`t represent the accused student in criminal court

Please read a full list of our service limitations here.

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Q: What if I was arrested at night or over the weekend and my arraignment (first court date) is the next morning, before I can see a lawyer?

A: If you are arrested at night or over the weekend and your first court date is before you can get in to see a lawyer, do not panic. Your first court date is called an arraignment, and it is not necessary to have a lawyer present for this appearance. You will just be appearing in court to plead guilty, not guilty, or no contest to your charge. If you are contesting your charge and wish to consult one of our lawyers but cannot get an appointment before your first court date, just go to court and plead not guilty. The court will push your next court date back so you have time to seek counsel. Then call us and make an appointment to see a lawyer.

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Q: What if I go to my first court date and they offer me the Diversion Program? What is that?

A: The Diversion Program is a program offered by the Athens County Municipal Court that is designed for first time offenders charged with underage consumption of an alcoholic beverage, underage possession of an alcoholic beverage, or possession of an open container. The program is an opportunity to avoid a criminal conviction. To read more details about the Diversion Program, please visit the Athens Municipal Court Diversion page.

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Q: Can my parents call and talk to the lawyer about my case? What if I don`t want my parents to know about my case or do not want them to become involved?

A: If you are over the age of 18, you are considered an adult, and your parents must have your written permission to speak to your lawyer about your case. When you have your first appointment with the attorney, you will be asked to sign a legal agreement. Part of the legal agreement gives you the option to give your parents permission to speak to your lawyer about your case. If you do not want any information released to your parents, simply indicate this on the legal agreement. Also, be sure to verbally let your lawyer know that you do not want any information released to your parents.

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Q: Can you give a talk or presentation to my student organization, class or club about legal issues?

A: Absolutely! Our main goal at CSLS is to educate Ohio University students of their legal rights. If you would like one of the attorneys to give a presentation about a legal issue, just call our office and ask if we have the date open. Some of our most popular presentations include issues related to alcohol (underage drinking, public intoxication, etc) advice on how to stay out of trouble in Athens, and legal issues that you may have to deal with when renting off campus housing.

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