How to get help for legal woes
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Liquor and leases tend to throw students into the Johnson County legal system. But getting the law on your side can be easy and cheap at the UI. The IMU houses Student Legal Services —with an attorney and four interns — to help Hawkeyes through myriad legal woes.
The services
Last year, more than 1,000 students used services provided by attorney Greg Bal and his team. Alcohol-related offenses — underage possession, drunk driving, public intoxication, etc. — and landlord-tenant problems topped the list. Other areas included:
• Unemployment claims
• Divorce
• Name change
There are a few rules: You need to be a registered UI student, the alleged crime must be in Johnson County, and it can’t be a felony charge.
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Break the bank?
The first three visits to Student Legal Services are free if you’re discussing the same issue. After that, it’s $10 per visit. The highest cost is around $600. A sample of other prices:
• Simple misdemeanor (i.e., PAULA): $115
• Serious misdemeanor (i.e., drunk driving): $275
• Divorce: as low as roughly $300
How not to get busted
Bal said he is more concerned about prevention, not damage control. He has put together presentations such as “How Not to get Busted” so you can avoid getting to legal trouble in the first place.
“I consider this part of their education,” he said. “You may think getting a PAULA citation is no big deal, but when you’re applying for a job in the future, you will be asked about your criminal history.”
A drinking ticket in Iowa is a simple misdemeanor — a criminal offense. Bal advises not paying the fine right away; that’s akin to a guilty plea. Call a lawyer first.
The fine print
Student Legal Services is a UI organization, partially funded by your student activity fees. It cannot represent anyone who is in a dispute with the university.
Also, if you’re suing your roommate for neglecting rent, for example, you better call first to get the bargain deal. It is a conflict of interest for Student Legal Services to represent both the plaintiff and defendant. In that case, it will refer you to a private attorney.
Need legal advice?
Contact Student Legal Services:
• Phone: 319-335-3276
• E-mail: student-legal@uiowa.edu
• Room: And if you want to walk: 157 IMU
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