The University of Toledo

Frequently Asked Quesitons

Do you have real attorneys to represent the students or is it just law students?

If I live on campus can I still use Student Legal Services, Inc., to resolve my legal problems?

Do I have to pay a fee to use the legal services program?

What am I required to bring to my appointment?
 
I am preparing to sign a lease for an apartment, condo or house, what steps should I take to prepare and protect myself?
 
Are there any specific terms I should pay particular attention to that will be in the lease?
 
My roommates and I are not getting along, can I just move out?
 
I got a citation for possessing/consuming beer, should I just pay the ticket and avoid going to Court?
 
I took my car in to have it repaired and at that time, they told me it would only cost $ 250.00. However, when I went back to pick up the car the bill was now $ 800.00, do I have to pay this extra money?
 
What if I was arrested over the weekend and my first Court date is on Monday morning before I can see a lawyer?
 
My friends and I got charged with Underage Consumption of Alcohol. One friend went to Court without a lawyer and only got a $ 100.00 fine; some other friends had to pay $ 200.00 and attend some classes. I know that I am “guilty” so why should I bother with getting a lawyer?

 

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QUESTION: Do you have real attorneys to represent the students or is it just law students?
 
ANSWER: Student Legal Services, Inc., employs licensed Attorneys to assist students in their personal legal matter. We are a general practice law firm located on campus to help students.

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QUESTION: If I live on campus can I still use Student Legal Services, Inc., to resolve my legal problems?
 
ANSWER: Yes, it does not matter where a student lives. Any currently enrolled student who pays the legal services fee is eligible to use our services for a covered legal matter. We assist students who live on campus or who live at home or who live off campus in a rented house or apartment or who commute to Toledo from somewhere else.

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QUESTION: Do I have to pay a fee to use the legal services program?
 
ANSWER: Yes, each semester when you register for classes you are automatically assessed a legal services fee of $ 10.00/semeseter. This fee will cover all of the services provided by our office. However, you are still responsible for any fines, court costs or filing fees charged by the court or administrative agency.

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QUESTION: What am I required to bring to my appointment?
 
ANSWER: Before consultation students must present a UT student ID card or other proof of enrollment at the University and photo ID. SLSI staff is required to verify eligibility and students will need to complete an Intake Form and provide copies of all documents relating to their legal matter (i.e. leases, court papers, traffic tickets, accident reports, correspondence, etc.,)

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QUESTION: I am preparing to sign a lease for an apartment, condo or house, what steps should I take to prepare and protect myself?
 
ANSWER: Walk through the very apartment or premises, which you are going to rent, take note of all defects with outlets, light fixtures, windows, appliances, furniture, doors, walls . . . etc.  Ask questions of the landlord and/or their representative regarding the safety of the neighborhood; the average cost of utilities such as electric and gas. Also ask whether the water heater and furnace are gas or electric. Finally, make sure that you read and are familiar with the lease and any addendums to the lease. Take the time to have your lease reviewed by an Attorney before you sign the lease. You can contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 for an appointment to discuss this matter or to review your lease.

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QUESTION: Are there any specific terms I should pay particular attention to that will be in the lease?
 
ANSWER: Yes, make sure that your carefully review the lease concerning the following terms, to wit:
•  The term of the lease. When does the lease begin and when do it end?
•  How much advance notice do you have to give to vacate? (It is usually 30 days but some leases require 60 days or more.)
•  Can you have pets?
•  Will you automatically be billed for carpet cleaning?
•  What utilities do you have to pay?
•  What late fees or other charges are imposed by the landlord?
 
Again, you should have an attorney review the lease with your prior to you signing it, if possible. If not have it reviewed as soon as possible. You can contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 for assistance.

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QUESTION: My roommates and I are not getting along, can I just move out?
 
ANSWER: The general Answer is No. This is one of those situations that you need to make sure that you discuss with an Attorney to make sure that you do not create more legal hassles for yourself. Contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 before you take any action to discuss your rights and responsibilities in this type of situation.

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QUESTION: I got a citation for possessing/consuming beer, should I just pay the ticket and avoid going to Court?
 
ANSWER: No, because in a lot of situations you can not simply pay a citation for possession or consumption of alcohol. These types of cases typically carry a jail sentence and/or a substantial fine and a criminal conviction could  cause you problems later in life so it is always advisable to seek legal advice before making any sort of decision or entering a plea in that type of case. Contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 for assistance.

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QUESTION: I took my car in to have it repaired and at that time, they told me it would only cost $ 250.00. However, when I went back to pick up the car the bill was now $ 800.00, do I have to pay this extra money?
 
ANSWER: The State of Ohio has a number of consumer laws, which govern these types of situations. It is possible that the mechanic has violated the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act or some other consumer law that specifies how much over an estimate the mechanic can charge you in the final bill. Depending upon the facts of your case, the mechanic or repair shop may be in violation of these laws; therefore it is advisable for you to discuss this matter with an Attorney. You can contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 for assistance concerning automobile repairs.

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QUESTION: What if I was arrested over the weekend and my first Court date is on Monday morning before I can see a lawyer?
 
ANSWER: You need to appear in Court as scheduled and request a continuance to talk to an Attorney. Most Courts will generally give you a one-week continuance. After you get your new court date call the Student Legal Services Office at (419) 530-7230 to schedule an appointment.

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QUESTION: My friends and I got charged with Underage Consumption of Alcohol. One friend went to Court without a lawyer and only got a $ 100.00 fine; some other friends had to pay $ 200.00 and attend some classes. I know that I am “guilty” so why should I bother with getting a lawyer?
 
ANSWER: Every one’s factual situation is different even among co-defendants. There might be some evidentiary reasons why your case should be dismissed or the charges reduced. An attorney can the review the charges and the evidence against you to determine the best way to proceed in resolving your case. The friend who only paid a fine still has a criminal conviction, which could negatively impact him/her later in life. The friends who paid more now and had to attend some classes may have avoided getting a criminal conviction. Anytime you are facing a potential jail sentence it is always advisable to first speak with an Attorney. You can contact Student Legal Services at (419) 530-7230 for assistance.

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