CU-Boulder Student Legal Services - CO

High-Quality, Accessible Legal Help for CU Boulder Students

Navigating a legal crisis can be an incredibly stressful distraction from your academic success. Whether you are facing an eviction threat, received a misdemeanor ticket, or are dealing with a university disciplinary investigation, having professional legal counsel on your side is critical. Housed in the University Memorial Center (UMC 311), CU-Boulder Student Legal Services (SLS) provides highly accessible, professional legal assistance exclusively to eligible students. Established in 1971, our office operates like a private law firm but charges only a fraction of the cost of outside attorneys. If you need a defense attorney or a tenant advocate who understands both state law and university regulations, our dedicated team is here to protect your rights.

We handle a diverse range of civil and criminal concerns, ensuring that students do not jeopardize their education or future careers due to unresolved legal matters. If you need to find a tenant lawyer to review a lease or represent you in a security deposit dispute, SLS offers a supportive, educational environment where you can learn to resolve conflicts and confidently self-advocate.

Strategic Criminal Defense and Traffic Advocacy

Being stopped by the police or receiving a summons is a serious matter that can trigger both criminal penalties and university sanctions. Our experienced criminal defense lawyers specialize in protecting students facing charges in Boulder courts. Our advocacy covers:

• MIP and Fake ID Offenses: We guide students through minor in possession (MIP) citations and fake ID charges, minimizing the impact on your academic standing and criminal record.
• DUI and DWAI Defense: Our specialized DUI/DWI defense lawyers evaluate traffic stops, sobriety tests, and chemical screenings to safeguard your license and freedom.
• Traffic Tickets: We help students handle speeding tickets and other moving violations, aiming to prevent insurance hikes and point accumulation.
• Student Conduct & Honor Code Hearings: When police notify the university of off-campus infractions, we help students prepare for Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution hearings.

Protecting Tenant Rights and Off-Campus Housing Disputes

Boulder's rental housing market can be notoriously difficult to navigate. Landlords frequently impose complex leases, and disputes over repairs or security deposits are common. Our tenant defense team specializes in:

• Comprehensive, pre-signing lease reviews to help you understand your contractual obligations.
• Negotiating disputes regarding maintenance, uninhabitable conditions, and mold.
• Resolving off-campus sublease, lease transfer, and roommate agreements.
• Recovering wrongfully withheld security deposits under Colorado's strict tenant protection laws.

Trusted Counsel with Full Professional Confidentiality

Our staff of full-time attorneys, including seasoned advocate R. Denean Hill, provides the exact same attorney-client confidentiality as any private law firm. We never discuss your case with parents, professors, or university officials without your explicit written permission. By scheduling a low-cost consultation with SLS, you gain a trusted advocate who will explain the law clearly and work to minimize the impact of your legal issue so you can focus on school. Contact CU-Boulder Student Legal Services today at 303-492-6813 to schedule your appointment.