CARPLS TERMS OF SERVICE

Last Updated: March 5, 2025

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) apply to your access to and use of the websites, chatbots, SMS communications, and other online services (collectively, the “Services”) provided by CARPLS (Coordinated Advice & Referral Program for Legal Services) (“CARPLS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By using our Services, you agree to these Terms.

Program Description

CARPLS provides legal information and resources through SMS, chatbots, and other platforms to assist Illinois residents with legal questions. Our Services include connecting users with legal aid resources, providing information via chatbots, and communicating with clients through SMS as part of our case management processes.

SMS Communications 📲

Opt-In & Consent

By providing your phone number and opting into SMS communications, you expressly consent to receive messages from CARPLS, including:

  • Case-related updates and communications.
  • Surveys and service feedback requests.
  • General legal aid resource information.

Opting Out

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by:

  • Replying “STOP” to any CARPLS text message.
  • Unchecking the opt-in box on our Contact Us page and submitting a request.
  • Once processed, you will receive a confirmation message, and no further messages will be sent unless you opt back in.

Message Frequency & Costs

  • Message frequency varies based on engagement with our Services.
  • Standard message and data rates may apply. Contact your wireless provider for text and data plan details.

Support & Customer Care

For help with the messaging program, reply “HELP” to any CARPLS text or visit our Contact Us page.

Carrier Liability

  • Mobile carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.
  • CARPLS is not liable for carrier-related service interruptions or delivery failures.

Privacy Policy

Please see our Privacy Policy for details on how we collect, use, and protect your information, including data collected through SMS communications and chatbots.

Eligibility

Our Services are not intended for individuals under 18. If you are under 18, you are not permitted to use our Services.

User Content

Ownership & License

  • You retain ownership of any content you provide through our Services.
  • By submitting content, you grant CARPLS a non-exclusive, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, modify, distribute, and display your content solely for operating and improving our Services.

Prohibited Conduct

By using our Services, you agree not to engage in the following activities:

  • Violating any applicable law or regulation.
  • Harassing, threatening, or defaming others.
  • Transmitting harmful, misleading, or offensive content.
  • Misusing our Services or attempting unauthorized access to CARPLS systems.

Disclaimers

No Legal Advice

The information provided through our Services, including chatbots and SMS communications, is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For confidential legal assistance, contact our hotline at 312-738-9200.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Using CARPLS Services does not establish an attorney-client relationship unless explicitly agreed upon through a formal engagement.

As-Is Services

CARPLS Services are provided “as is” without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CARPLS shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to:

  • Loss of profits, data, use, goodwill, or other intangible losses resulting from use of the Services.

Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold CARPLS harmless from any claims, liabilities, damages, and legal fees arising from:

  • Your use of our Services.
  • Your violation of these Terms.

Dispute Resolution

All disputes under these Terms will be resolved through binding arbitration in Cook County, Illinois, in accordance with the American Arbitration Association rules.

Modifications to Services & Terms

Changes to Services

CARPLS may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Services at any time without notice.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms at any time. If material changes occur, we will:

  • Update the “Last Updated” date.
  • Post the new Terms on our Services.
  • Continued use after modifications constitutes acceptance of the new Terms.

Termination

We reserve the right to terminate or suspend your access to our Services for:

  • Violating these Terms.
  • Engaging in prohibited conduct.

Force Majeure

CARPLS is not liable for any failure or delay in performance due to causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • Natural disasters.
  • Acts of government.
  • Network failures.

Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflict-of-law principles.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms or CARPLS Services, please visit our Contact Us page.