If you’ve just sent your son or daughter off to college, you may be wondering how their first semester is going – how they like their classes, their roommates and the campus. You might not think to ask, “Honey, have you gotten yourself in any legal trouble lately?”
Of course, you’d hope the answer would be no. But many parents aren’t aware of the frequent legal issues that college students can face and how difficult they can be to resolve.
Here are 5 common legal issues that college students face, and how a legal plan can help them negotiate these troublesome problems:
Landlord/tenant disputes
Students who live in off-campus housing should be aware of their rights as a tenant. Common issues can include apartment repairs that are left undone, not made in a timely manner, or a security deposit not returned on time. An attorney can help navigate Texas housing laws and ensure that a student’s rights are protected.
Identity theft
College students are especially susceptible to identity theft as they live in apartments or dorms where others can access their belongings. Oftentimes, students forget to log off their laptop, tablet or smart phone when finished using them, placing them at an even higher risk for identity theft. In the event that a student falls victim to identity theft, legal assistance can help intervene with creditors, debt collectors and credit reporting agencies.
Student Loans
With the cost of tuition rising each year, many Texans are struggling to pay for college and obtaining loans. Most parents and students see these loans as a financial challenge, not a legal issue. However, having the right legal representation can ensure that a family understands the loan terms and finds the best loan for them.
Traffic tickets
Weekend trips home or road trips with friends can often result in a speeding ticket. There are many stretches of highway in Texas between college towns that are known for speed traps. Having a lawyer on hand can help lower the penalty and sometimes get the charge dropped entirely.
DWI/DUI
While no one should plan for a DWI/DUI, mistakes can happen. A student who has a drink at dinner or a couple of beers at a bar and drives home can get pulled over for a violation. An attorney will help students understand the legalese behind a charge, and if appropriate, fight it in court.
False Charges
One Texas Legal member recently shared with us that her daughter was unjustly charged with a minor in possession misdemeanor, which could have resulted in a $500 fine, a driver’s license suspension or hours of community service. Thanks to her legal plan, the daughter was able to find an attorney in her college town, who helped get the charges dismissed.
“He took care of everything and helped us win over a false charge. We were very pleased with his professional and friendly manner,” said the parent.
How a Legal Plan Can Help College Students
The right legal plan can help a student resolve any of these issues quickly and without the added expense of hiring a private attorney. A legal plan membership covers legal expenses much like health insurance covers medical expenses. A low monthly fee gives members access to a network of attorneys who can help them whenever a legal problem arises
College students who are over the age of 18 can shop for a legal plan for themselves, but many policies allow parents who are members can also add their college-aged child as a dependent on the parents’ policy.
Students and parents who reside in Texas are eligible for Texas Legal’s affordable legal protection. To find out more, visit TexasLegal.org.