The Legal Services department of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada has seen more cases this year than ever before, especially those dealing with alcohol and landlord/tenant disputes. The department has been around for over twenty years but has recently been growing in popularity because of increased promotion and work by Maritza Perez, Director of Legal Services. The number of students visiting the office has increased for free services that include notaries and legal advice from a practicing attorney.
The legal services department is also comprised of students including: Perez, the Director of Legal Services, Brittni Black, student advocate, and Alana Cooler, Assistant Director of Legal Services.
Brian Davenport, the on-staff attorney, has been working with the department since 1987 and has seen many changes over the years.
“In the very beginning we were unknown, but many directors have been great at promoting the service,” Davenport said. “Even though it has grown over the years, the types of cases we see are very consistent in numbers, especially those dealing with alcohol and students getting in trouble.”
The department has been growing, in terms of ASUN funding, at a consistent rate for the last ten years. For the 2001-2002 school year, legal services was given $15,100. That number has grown to $24,478 for the 2009-2010 budget, at a rate of 62 percent for the last ten years, according to the ASUN budget. The allotment of money for the department has steadily increased as the ASUN budget has increased from $872,000 in 2001 to $1.46 million in 2010 at a rate of 59 percent. Overall, the Legal Services department has grown at a faster rate than ASUN in the last ten years.
Perez believes the department provides a useful service, but actually receives more money than needed to operate effectively.
“In the last three or four years the service has become more prominent and we have received more money, but we really don’t use a lot of the funds we have,” Perez said. “Most of the money goes to payroll and office supplies. I think we are getting too much money. I plan to meet with (ASUN president-elect Charlie Jose) and discuss the fact that there is always a surplus every year and maybe that money could be going to different places.”
The department saw 503 people last year, the majority of who were undergraduate students. The department saw 91 criminal cases, the most prevalent type seen, according to records kept by the department. Criminal cases include DUI’s, MIC’s, and often drug charges.
Another type of case that is common is tenant/landlord disputes, usually occurring when a student tries to get out of their lease early and does not want the repercussions of breaking their contract. Divorce and custody cases, workplace dispute cases and traffic claims are just some of the cases that the legal services department handles.
Although the department is still not as widely known as other services on campus, some students depend on it for advice at some of the most stressful times. In particular, one student recently used the service after running into legal troubles.
“I recently received a (minor in consumption) ticket and wasn’t sure what steps I should take to get it taken care of,” said the student, who wished to remain anonymous. “I contacted Maritza at the legal services office and was able to meet with her and now I have a follow up appointment coming up to find out the best way to take care of my issue. It is a very valuable service.”
GRAPH #1: Breakdown of the ten most prevalent cases (click to enlarge)
GRAPH#2: Breakdown of the people using the service (click to enlarge)
Video: Maritza Perez talking about the history and information of Legal Services, and Brian Davenport talking about how he got the job as on-staff attorney.
In legal trouble? Here are the steps you would take for the Legal Services Department:
1. Although walk-ins are welcome, the best way to guarantee service is to make an appointment. You can call the office at 775-784-6132 or E-mail Maritza Perez at legal@asun.unr.edu.
2. You would then visit the office and sign two waivers, one that explains that you will only receive legal information, not advice, and another asking about your case.
3. After speaking with Maritza Perez, she will determine whether your case needs to be seen by Brian Davenport, the on-staff attorney, or whether it can be solved without having to take that measure. If she feels you need to see the attorney, she will then make you an appointment to meet with him.
4. If you do not need to see the attorney, the staff will do their best to help you with your situation, which sometimes includes referrals to outside sources and counseling.