Legal and Judicial Affairs

Students needing legal assistance are encouraged to start with the Associated Students Legal Resource Center. If you are not able to get the support you need there, you can ask them for a referral or consult with the other resources listed in this section.

Associated Students Legal Resource Center
The Associated Students Legal Resource Center (ASLRC) provides UCSB undergraduate and graduate students with free legal advice, education, information, and referrals and can assist with identifying and resolving legal problems. You can consult them on matters including landlord/tenant disputes, criminal citations, contracts, personal injury, consumer complaints, credit and debt, family law, traffic tickets, alcohol and drug violations, employment issues, immigration, and more. ASLRC also has over 50 self-help law books written for the layperson available for use. For more information, visit http://legal.as.ucsb.edu. ASLRC is located at 6550 Pardall Road, Suite B, upstairs from Grafikart. To schedule an appointment, call (805) 893-4246.

Associated Students Office of the Student Advocate
The Office of the Student Advocate (OSA) assists students accused of violating the University and Housing codes of conduct. Staff will provide free and confidential support services, advice, and advocacy to any student, organization, or group involved in a dispute with the University. The office is located in room 1523 of the Associated Students main office, across from the MultiCultural Center. Call (805) 893-2577 or email advocate@as.ucsb.edu to schedule an appointment.

California Victim Compensation Program (VCP)
This program can assist crime victims and their loved ones with expenses that result from certain violent crimes, including those related to medical, dental, mental health, relocation, funeral, home or vehicle modification, and job retraining needs, as well as income and support loss. Eligibility requires cooperation with law enforcement and VCP program staff. For more information, contact the Santa Barbara District Attorney’s office at (805) 568-2400 or visit www.countyofsb.org/da/VW_Compensation.html.

Legal Aid Foundation
Legal Aid Foundation provides free legal assistance in critical civil matters to Santa Barbara County residents living at or below the poverty level, those facing language or disability barriers, and victims of domestic violence, among others. They provide legal information and advice, as well as assistance with the preparation of legal documents and representation in court proceedings. Because of resource limitations, their practice is primarily directed at assisting people who are in crisis. For more information, visit www.lafsbc.org or call (805) 963-6754.

The Legal Resource Center
The Legal Resource Center of Santa Barbara, which is staffed by a California licensed attorney, helps residents of Santa Barbara County to complete legal and court documents for various civil matters and infractions and in properly presenting their cases to the court. Center services include providing legal information, referrals, and support, as well as educational materials and computer terminals for legal research. This service is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis for a $10 fee. Everyone is assisted regardless of income and it is possible to apply for a fee waiver. The Legal Resource Center is located at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court, McMahon Law Library, 2nd Floor, 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara. For more information, visit www.sbcourts.org/srl or call (805) 568-3303.