Free legal counsel offered to students
By Scott JardineStaff Writer For students who have need of legal counsel, but can’t afford a $300 per hour attorney fee, free legal services and advice are offered by two Cache Valley attorneys. Former Cache County Attorney Scott Wyatt and Deputy Cache County Attorney Don Linton devote their time every week, without pay, to help students with legal questions or issues they might be facing. Kristen Marshall of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center said the attorneys are available to give advice and answer questions, but they’re not allowed to represent students if they go to court. Marshall said a lot of people take advantage of the free consultations. Linton said there are many different issues that they help students with. “You’d be hard pressed to find a case we haven’t dealt with,” Linton said. “Everything from divorce, landlord/tenant relations, [to] family law.” Suzanne Simmons, a former victims’ advocate for the Cache County Attorney, said she dealt with Linton and Wyatt on a daily basis. “They’re very easy to talk to, very kind,” Simmons said. “I would trust them with any legal problem.” Wyatt is a former student body president of USU. Since early January, Wyatt and Linton have been prosecuting a high-profile murder case, but have still found time to help students with their legal questions. Wyatt and Linton continue to devote their time to the community in other aspects. Every year CAPSA is in need of volunteers to help wrap Christmas presents in the Cache Valley Mall, and both attorneys have volunteered their time to help. The service is offered on the third floor of the Taggart Student Center every Monday and Thursday from 5 to 10 p.m. Appointments are scheduled in 20-minute intervals, and can be made in TSC Room 326.-scottsj@cc.usu.edu