For students who succumb to Ohio University’s party school reputation or those who just need help with legal documents, a private, nonprofit organization offers its services.
The Center for Student Legal Services manages both civil and criminal cases for students at only $12 per semester, which is a good deal considering some private law firms charge up to $150 per hour, said Melissa Greenlee, a staff attorney at the center who handles civil cases and has a private practice on the side. The $12 fee is paid through your OU account, unless you choose to waive it.
Typically, the busiest point of the year for the center is right after fest season, Greenlee said. At this time, students are arrested on charges such as underage drinking, open containers, obstruction of official business and more.
Pat McGee, the center’s managing attorney who works on criminal cases, could not be reached for comment by press time.
If a student becomes a first-time offender of underage consumption of alcohol, another possible solution is the Athens County Municipal Court’s diversion program, which Greenlee said is a great alternative to criminal prosecution that not every community has.
Eligible charges for this program are underage consumption of alcohol, underage possession of alcohol, false ID and disorderly conduct by intoxication, according to the city of Athens’ website.
Mary Norwood, the county’s diversion officer, could not be reached for comment.
The program is 90 days, costs a total of $319 and requires the offender to complete a three-hour alcohol education course and 12 hours of community service.
Greenlee said sometimes parents and students waive the $12 fee — the center’s only source of funding — without understanding the value in it. The nonprofit offers its services to students when they need to finalize off-campus housing contracts, and the attorneys provide advice on other civil issues such as employment problems, fraud and debt.
“Some parents might think, ‘My kid’s not going to get in trouble,’ ” she said. “But we also do a lot of things that don’t necessarily mean they went out and got in trouble. If people waive (the fee) before they understand what our services are, we allow people to come re-enroll.”
kf398711@ohiou.edu
