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“Know your rights” is an article series that provides accessible information and practical advice about your rights as a ���񱦵� student. Follow the series to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to navigate legal challenges confidently and to learn how Student Legal Services can help.

As a college student, you may find yourself in a situation where you need assistance from an attorney. Whether dealing with a criminal charge, a lease issue or an immigration question, Student Legal Services (SLS) on campus may be able to help you or help connect you with an attorney off campus. Not only does SLS offer legal advice, representation and education at much lower prices than private attorneys, but you can also ask questions and learn about the legal process. Students can benefit from understanding the different kinds of attorneys and what issues they can help with.   

Here are four categories of attorneys that students may need to work with during college and beyond. 

Criminal defense attorney 

Criminal defense attorneys specialize in defending individuals facing criminal charges. If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, whether a minor offense or a serious felony, a criminal defense attorney can be a valuable asset in your case. Criminal defense attorneys work to protect your rights, ensure that you are treated fairly and minimize potential penalties.  

SLS handles almost all types of criminal defense cases experienced by students. Examples range from littering, drinking underage and nuisance parties to DUI, drug distribution and assault. 

Landlord/tenant attorney 

Landlord/tenant attorneys assist with disputes between landlords and tenants as well as write and/or review leases for their clients. 

SLS attorneys can review students’ leases to help them understand terms, as well as advise and represent students in disputes with their landlords. Common disputes are security deposit returns, repairs and unfair charges.  

Immigration attorney 

Immigration attorneys work on immigration-related issues. Typically, an immigration attorney would assist with visa applications, green card issues, F-1 reinstatements and issues related to criminal defense, employment and more. If you are an international student or face immigration issues, an immigration attorney offers valuable services to help you navigate the complex legal landscape. 

SLS contracts with an immigration attorney to address student immigration matters.  

Personal injury attorney 

Personal injury attorneys specialize in cases where a person has an injury caused by negligence or misconduct of others. Examples include car accidents, slip and fall incidents, medical malpractice, etc. Personal injury attorneys can help seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages resulting from the injury. 

SLS attorneys can provide advice and referrals on personal injury issues.  

Seeking legal assistance at ���񱦵� 

SLS offers affordable and trusted legal services to eligible ���񱦵� students. SLS attorneys can advise and represent students on a wide range of legal issues and help students understand their legal rights and obligations. If SLS attorneys cannot help you with your specific issue, they may be able to refer you to another attorney. You can schedule an appointment if you need help or have questions about your legal situation.