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Frequently Asked Quesitons
Below are answers to some of the questions students ask most. These answers are not intended as a substitute for legal advice, but as a way of clarifying why you might need Student Legal Services to assist you. Since each student's legal matter is different and there may be additional facts or documents which could affect your rights in these types of matters, we would strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with an attorney to obtain legal advice concerning your specific legal matter. You may contact us at 419.530.7230 or by stopping in our office located in Suite 1533 Student Union, University of Toledo.
General questions about the Student Legal Services Program:
Questions about leasing a house or apartment:
Questions about criminal court matters:
Questions about consumer matters:
General questions about the Student Legal Services Program:
- 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?
- Do I need to make an appointment?
- What am I required to bring to my appointment?
- Where is Student Legal Services located?
- What if I am unable to come to my appointment?
Questions about leasing a house or apartment:
- 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?
Questions about criminal court matters:
- I got a citation for possessing/consuming beer, should I just pay the ticket and avoid going to Court?
- 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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Questions about consumer matters:
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General questions about the Student Legal Services Program:
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/semester. 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.
QUESTION: Do I need to make an appointment?
ANSWER: Yes. Student Legal Services is here to represent every eligible University of Toledo student; appointments are the best way to insure that every student who needs to consult an attorney receives the time and attention their case requires.
We have office hours five days a week that include one evening a week. Mon., Wed-Fri. 8:30 am to 5:00 pm and Tues. 8:30 am – 8 pm. Please contact our office for an appointment time.
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.,)
QUESTION: Where is Student Legal Services located?
ANSWER: We are conveniently located in the heart of campus is Suite 1533 of the Student Union. Our Phone number is: 419.530.7230
QUESTION: What if I am unable to come to my appointment?
ANSWER: If you are unable to make your appointment please contact our office as soon as possible to cancel or reschedule your appointment.
If you do not come for your appointment and fail to cancel or reschedule it you will be marked as a No Show. If a second no show occurs, the student will not be allowed to use Student Legal Services until the following semester.
Questions about leasing a house or apartment:
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.
Questions about criminal court matters:
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: 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.
Questions about consumer matters:
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.
