La Salle County State's Attorney Karen Donnelly sets up email account for free legal help on overdue bills

If anyone is dealing with a landlord trying to evict them, a utility company trying to shut off services or a creditor pushing to collect an overdue bill – or similar situations – La Salle County State’s Attorney Karen Donnelly created an email account Tuesday to take questions and give free feedback.

Donnelly said four other licensed lawyers have agreed to help answer questions.

“I wanted to create a service to help people who are struggling during this time,” Donnelly said. “A lot of hospitality workers, restaurant workers and others are without jobs; it’s the least we could do. Most attorneys are in a fortunate situation right now, and we want to do the right thing and help any way we can.”

Anyone using the service should email covidquestionsanswered@gmail.com and include the question they would like addressed and their contact information (email and telephone number).

Donnelly said she will check the email account at about 4 p.m. daily to screen the questions, then send the questions out to other participating lawyers. She said a lawyer will respond within 24 hours.

She said she worked in collections for years and has an understanding of the business.

“We may be able to provide assistance,” Donnelly said. “A letter from a lawyer goes a long way to help with collectors. We may be able to help someone figure out the best way out of their situation.”

Donnelly warned it's best not to send confidential information
until speaking to one of the lawyers and receiving authorization to send it.

She said while the lawyers will discuss specific legal needs, she warned it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. They will have no duty to keep confidential any information sent unless until a formal attorney-client relationship has been established.

She said some of the inquiries may lead to advice of seeking an attorney – and she said her team will do its best to help them find affordable options.

“There are attorneys out there who are willing to help out people during tough financial times,” Donnelly said.

Donnelly noted they will not
provide advice about child custody or visitation, or any other matters
in which an individual already should have a lawyer representing them.