This is a list of the most common questions asked by students and parents of Ohio University students. We are happy to answer all inquiries, so if you have a question that is not on this list, please email us at csls@studentlegalrights.org.
Is The Center for Student Legal Services a real law office?
Yes! We staff licensed attorneys who are here to help you in any way they can. Read about them
here. Our Managing Attorney has over 30 years experience in law, has served as the public defender in Athens and is extremely dedicated to the students of Ohio University. Our Staff Attorney has extensive experience in housing and consumer law. Cases are always handled by attorneys, not law students, interns, paralegals or law clerks.
What are your office hours?
Fall, Winter and Spring Quarter : 9am – 5pm Monday through Thursday; 9am – 4pm Friday
Winter break: 10am – 4pm Monday through Thursday; 10am – 3pm Friday (limited hours by appointment during week of Christmas)
Spring Break: 10am – 4pm Monday through Thursday; 10am – 3pm Friday
Summer Quarter: 10am – 4pm Monday through Friday
Please note: Attorneys take appointments at different times. The criminal attorney usually does not schedule appointments after 3pm and civil attorneys have varied appointment times each day.
How do I get an appointment to see an attorney?
Call (740) 594-8093 to schedule an appointment. We will check to see if you have paid your legal service 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.
Do you take walk-in appointments?
Usually not. Because of our high volume of cases, our attorneys are not usually available for walk-in appointments. If you need to have something notarized, you can walk in and someone will probably be able to help you if they are available.
I’m registered for credit hours and have paid my legal services fee, but I am not in Athens. Can you help me?
Yes, we can start the process by having you speak to an attorney over the phone if you are doing an internship outside of Athens or are in a similar situation. Be sure to let us know if you need a phone appointment.
I’m calling on behalf of my son or daughter. Can I make an appointment for them to see an attorney?
The person with the legal issue must make the appointment if they are over the age of 18. If a parent wishes to be involved with their student’s legal issue, the student must consent in writing. All clients are asked to sign a legal agreement when they come in for their appointment and there is a section in the agreement that allows them to indicate consent or denial to share information with parents or other third parties. The student is our client and they have the right to speak for themselves and to be assured complete confidentiality until they give consent for us to share information about their case.
How do I know if I paid my fee?
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. There is no limit on the number of times you can use the service during the quarter. 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. These fees have nothing to do with us and we have no control over them. Your attorney will inform you of possible costs.
What do I do if I waived my fee?
Once you have decided to waive your legal service fee, you can only re-enroll during the first three weeks of the quarter. The $8.00 fee will be put back on your bill and your will be responsible for paying it. See our
CSLS Fee page for more information. After the three week deadline, you cannot re-enroll but we MAY still be able to help you, depending on your situation, but you will be subject to much higher fees. There will be a fee for an initial consultation with an attorney and if the attorney agrees to handle your case the fee will be at his/her discretion. You may also contact a local attorney to handle your case.
Are there limitations on the services provided?
The following are limits on services provided:
- You must be enrolled as a student to use this service by paying $8 per quarter
- The attorneys have 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.
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 an attorney?
If you are arrested at night or over the weekend and your first court date is before you can get in to see an attorney, do not panic. Your first court date is called an arraignment, and it is not necessary to have an attorney 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 attorneys 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 an attorney. See our
court process page for more information.
What if I go to my first court date and they offer me the Diversion Program? What is that?
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 our
Diversion page. We recommend you sign up for the Diversion Program if it is offered to you, then talk to one of our attorneys to determine if it is the best option for your individual circumstances. You can always withdraw from the program if you need to.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
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 an attorney about a housing or landlord issue, please bring your lease or any other applicable papers.
If English is not my primary language, can I bring an interpreter to my appointment?
Yes, provided you trust the person with your confidential information.
Can my parents call and talk to the attorney about my case? What if I don`t want my parents to know about my case or do not want them to become involved?
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 attorney 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 attorney 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 attorney know that you do not want any information released to your parents. If you change your mind later, you must inform us in writing that you wish for your information to be shared with your parents or a third party.
Do you notify the university that I have been charged with a criminal offense?
No. The information discussed with your attorney is confidential and will not be discussed with anyone without your written consent.
I have a Judiciary hearing at Ohio University regarding my criminal charges. Can you advise me on this?
We can give limited advice about the Judiciary process at Ohio University but we cannot represent you or get involved in the process per state law (
Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.022). Your attorney is here to assist you with your court case in Athens County courts. Judiciaries deal with a breach of the
OU Student Code of Conduct.
Students Defending Students is a student organization that assists students with the Judiciary process. Please see our
Ohio University Judiciaries page for complete information.
I have a legal problem with the university. Can you help me?
Pursuant to state law, The Center for Student Legal Services may not represent a student in Ohio University Judiciary actions, internal OU matters, or lawsuits against Ohio University or its employees. (see
Ohio Revised Code Section 3345.022). To start the process of resolving your problem, you may want to contact the
Office of the Ombuds. They assist in conflict resolution within the university.
Can you give a talk or presentation to my student organization, class or club about legal issues?
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.
