As you begin a new semester, now is the time to address any lingering or looming legal problems. Students’ Legal Assistance is a free service, funded by the NIU Student Association, that can provide relevant legal information, advice and, where appropriate, court representation to help you. Here are some areas where we can help.

Employment: Under Illinois law, employees are entitled to be paid for all work done within one pay period of the completion of work. If your employer hasn’t paid you, or has made deductions from your wages that you dispute or question, contact us. We’re located in the Campus Life Building, Suite 120, and we can be reached at 815-753-1701.

Driving on a Suspended License: Pursuant to the Illinois Vehicle Code, if you are under 21 years of age, your driving privileges will be suspended or revoked if you are convicted of two or more moving violations within any 24 month period. Persons over 21 are subject to a suspension if they accumulate three convictions within any one month period. Every ticket is important. For information about what your best options are and how to seek court supervision, consult the Students’ Legal Assistance Web site, www.niu.edu/legal, or contact our office for an appointment.

Driving while your license is suspended (DWLS) for any reason is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in incarceration and/or a substantial fine. A conviction for DWLS will also extend your suspension for up to an additional 12 months. On the other hand, it may be possible to effect a termination of the suspension, for example, by paying an outstanding fine or by obtaining court supervision after the fact. In the alternative, you may be eligible for a hardship license. If your driving privileges are suspended, you should consult an SLA attorney promptly to investigate your options, and meanwhile, stop driving!

Expungements: Increasingly, even a minor criminal record can jeopardize career plans. Everyone, but particularly students who are graduating in December or next May, should determine whether they are eligible to have criminal records expunged or sealed. If eligible, begin the process immediately, since it can take several months to complete. SLA can assist you both in determining your eligibility and in processing your Petition to Expunge or Seal.

Budget planning/getting out of debt: Getting and staying out of debt has never been harder or more important. Bad credit can not only interfere with your ability to purchase a car or a home, it can prevent you from being hired for a job. SLA can assist you in many ways: providing budget forms and valuable information about credit cards, buying a new or used car and other consumer transactions, helping you obtain and analyze your credit reports, challenge disputed charges and, where appropriate, defending you in court.

Security deposits: If you have just moved into or out of an apartment, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities concerning your security deposit. Under the law, if you return your premises in the same or better condition as you found it, excepting ordinary wear and tear, and have fulfilled your other obligations under the lease, you are entitled to the full (100 percent) return of your security deposit. If you have recently moved into your apartment and have not already done so, document its condition immediately, including taking pictures, and provide a copy of your condition report to the landlord.

SLA also counsels NIU students in other areas of the law, including criminal law, family law, auto accidents, insurance, discrimination, and public benefits. We also provide notary public services and voter registration.