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The purpose of Student Legal Services is to provide legal advice, counseling and education to University of Houston students. The purpose of this web site is to provide general information for University of Houston students and is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of an attorney.

Available Services

• Advice. Student Legal Services ("SLS") provides legal advice and counseling to University of Houston students. An attorney or law student intern meets with students to attempt to resolve the individual's legal dispute before the problem becomes a complicated burden. While SLS does not represent students, it does assist students in locating a lawyer when one is necessary and, when possible, provides advice on handling issues without an attorney's assistance.

• Education. In addition to meeting with students on an individual basis, SLS is available to all colleges, departments, and student groups for presentations to students on legal issues. Videotapes and books are available in the SLS office for review and brochures are available to aid students in understanding their legal concerns.

• Mediation. SLS is available to mediate disputes between University of Houston students. Both students must agree to attempt to resolve the conflict or dispute through mediation and be willing to set aside several hours one afternoon. Legal advice will not be given to either student.

How To Use Services

• Eligibility. All students at the University of Houston, Central Campus, are eligible to use SLS. A user's fee of $5 per semester is charged to students who use the service.

• Appointments. An appointment for a 45-minute consultation with SLS can be obtained by calling 713-743-5450. The office is a part of Dean of Students Office, which is located on the 2nd floor of the University Center (UC). Evening hours are available at least once a week. Be sure to bring to the meeting all contracts, pleadings, letters, etc. that relate to your legal concern.

  NO LEGAL ADVICE WILL BE GIVEN OVER THE TELEPHONE OR BY E-MAIL

Excluded Services

• Claims against the university. It is a conflict of interest for SLS to provide advice regarding a student's legal dispute with the university.

• Claims against other University of Houston students. While SLS cannot provide legal advice to a student whose dispute is with a fellow student, SLS will assist in attempting to resolve the disagreement by providing mediation.

• Representation of students. Time and money do not permit SLS to provide a lawyer to represent students in their legal disputes. SLS provides advice and gives direction on steps that can be taken to resolve the issue.

Scope

The Student Legal Services office provides legal advice in the following areas:

• Family matters: divorce, child support, paternity, custody, name change, common law marriage;

• Criminal matters: DWI, theft, criminal mischief, fake ID, expungement;

• Landlord/tenant disputes: security deposit refunds, evictions, lease review;

• Consumer complaints: defective products and services, breach of warranty, deceptive trade practices;

• Traffic violations: tickets, towing, accidents;

• Debt problems: credit card disputes, foreclosure, bankruptcy, student loan problems;

• Employment disputes: discrimination, non-compete agreements, sexual harassment, unemployment insurance, other labor laws;

• Miscellaneous matters: wills, powers of attorney, personal injury, real estate, probate, social security, immigration, copyright, etc.

Did you know...?

• If you are convicted of driving while intoxicated, punishment includes confinement of three days to 10 years, suspension of driver's license for up to two years, and fines up to $10,000.

• Texas recognizes informal or common law marriages.

• If a person fails to follow court ordered child support or visitation, he or she can be found in contempt of court, lose his state licenses and be sentenced to jail.

• The Harris County District Attorney has a special office for Family Disputes that also may cover actions against abusive friends.

• Your lease probably requires that 30 days written notice be given before moving out at the end of the lease term.

• Bringing firearms, knives, and other weapons on any school campus, including University of Houston parking lots, is a felony.

• Removing books or magazines from the University of Houston library without check-ing them out can result in criminal charges being filed and can ultimately block one from pursuing an occupation of his or her choosing.

• If you allow your friend to borrow your credit card, you will be liable for all charges made even if you informed your friend to charge no more than a certain amount.

Important Numbers

Disclaimer

By proceeding further in this Web site, you indicate your acceptance of the terms of this disclaimer. This site is designed and intended for the exclusive use of currently enrolled University of Houston students. The site was written to provide very general information regarding laws in Texas; laws in other states may be very different. We can not guarantee that the information on this site is up to date and accurate, as the laws affecting Texans are in constant transition.

Information on this site is provided for general informational purposes and does NOT constitute legal advice. Slight variations in facts and circumstances may make an enormous difference in the legal advice that a particular attorney will render. Students who are confronted with legal problems or who desire specific advice, should make an appointment with the attorney at Student Legal Services or seek the assistance of another licensed attorney.

There is no warranty, expressed or implied, that the material on this Web site and links provided in this site are accurate and error-free. By continuing on this Web site you acknowledge that you will verify the information contained in the Web site and will NOT rely upon the information included in the site. You further acknowledge that nothing in this Web site is intended to nor constitutes the practice of law or giving of legal advice.

Funding for Student Legal Services is provided by Student Service Fees.

Student Affairs | Student Development | Dean of Students Main Page