Legal Information for Students

Student Legal Services

Student Legal Services is a free and confidential resource for Penn State University Park and Commonwealth Campus students facing personal legal issues. Learn more about common legal topics from one of our attorneys with a free game-style presentation for student groups:

Game-Style Presentations on Legal Topics

Business Law

There is an amazing ecosystem throughout the Penn State system for entrepreneurs. Start with the Small Business Development Center to learn about the available resources. Check whether there is a LaunchBox and Innovation HUB at or near your campus.

Here are few of the resources in the State College area:

Small Business Development Center: Consulting, seminars, and resources to help you throughout the process.
Invent PennState: Programs and tools to get you started.
Happy Valley Launchbox, powered by PNC Bank: This is another good starting place to connect with all of the resources available to entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship Assistance Clinic: Free legal assistance for many common legal needs of new businesses.
Intellectual Property Clinic: Free legal assistance in patent law.
Arts, Sports & Entertainment Law Clinic: Free legal assistance for many common business legal issues for individuals in art, sports, and entertainment fields.

Criminal Law

Marijuana Offenses

Recreational marijuana is illegal in Pennsylvania. Learn more about the law, what happens if you're charged, and what to do next.

Alcohol Offenses

Much of the crime reported in State College is related to alcohol. Find out more about common alcohol-related offenses and their consequences.

Expungements, Limited Access Orders & Pardons

Learn about how criminal records can be sealed, erased, or pardoned.

Court-Ordered Community Service

How to find volunteer opportunities and what to do when you've been court-ordered to perform community service.

Party Myths

Ways you can run afoul of the law that you might not have considered.

Collateral Consequences

Before entering a plea for a criminal citation or charge, talk to an attorney. There might be consequences in addition to those the court imposes.

Civil Law

Student Legal Services can help students with many civil matters including landlord-tenant issues, uncontested family law matters, simple estate documents, and name changes.

When thinking about moving off-campus, learn more about how to Get Started and Know Your Rights.

A great free resource on civil law is PALawHelp.org. This website gathers information, videos, and templates from all of the legal service providers in Pennsylvania and puts them on this free, searchable website.

Many times a legal solution is lengthy, expensive, and divisive. Sometimes a government resource or an alternative dispute resolution process can provide a better solution.

Tax Assistance

Free volunteer income tax assistance for students.

Landlord-Tenant Law

Quick tips for tenants on how to avoid legal issues in the rental process.

Name Change

How to change your name in Pennsylvania. Includes step-by-step instructions for Centre County.

Immigration Law

Immigration law is a rapidly changing field. Global Penn State maintains a page highlighting International Student Alerts.

Check out the International Students link for a primer on common questions about U.S. law and driving in the U.S. for international students.

Reviewed: November 3, 2017

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Legal Information for Students