CARPLS Terms of Service

Last Updated: March 6, 2026

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern 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 resource referrals to individuals seeking assistance with legal issues in Illinois. Our Services may include website tools, chatbots, and text message (SMS) communications used to respond to inquiries, provide service updates, and connect users with legal aid resources.

These Services are designed to help individuals identify available legal aid options and obtain information about possible next steps.

SMS Communications

CARPLS may communicate with users through SMS text messages regarding inquiries submitted through our website or related service communications.

Opt-In & Consent

If you provide your mobile phone number and check the SMS consent box on a CARPLS web form, you consent to receive SMS text messages from CARPLS related to your inquiry or requested services.

These messages may include:

• Follow-up communications
• Appointment reminders
• Requests for documents or additional information
• Updates related to services you requested
• Client satisfaction surveys

CARPLS does not send marketing or promotional text messages.

Message Frequency & Charges

Message frequency varies depending on your interaction with CARPLS services.

Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan.

Mobile carriers are not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages.

Opting Out

You may opt out of SMS communications at any time by replying STOP to any CARPLS text message.

After opting out, you may receive a final confirmation message and will not receive additional SMS messages unless you opt in again.

Support

For assistance with CARPLS messaging services, reply HELP to any CARPLS text message or visit our Contact Us page.

Privacy Policy

Your use of our Services is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains how we collect, use, and protect your information. Please review the Privacy Policy for additional details about data practices related to our Services.

Eligibility

CARPLS Services are intended for individuals seeking legal information or assistance. Our Services are not intended for individuals under the age of 18.

If you are under 18, you should not use our Services without the involvement of a parent or guardian.

User Content

Ownership

You retain ownership of any content you submit through our Services, including messages sent through web forms or chat tools.

License

By submitting content through our Services, you grant CARPLS a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, process, and store that content solely for the purpose of providing and improving our Services.

Prohibited Conduct

When using our Services, you agree not to:

• Violate any applicable law or regulation
• Attempt unauthorized access to CARPLS systems or networks
• Transmit malicious, harmful, or misleading content
• Harass, threaten, or defame other individuals
• Interfere with the proper functioning of the Services

CARPLS reserves the right to restrict or terminate access to the Services if these Terms are violated.

Disclaimers

No Legal Advice

Information provided through CARPLS Services, including chatbots, websites, or SMS communications, is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Use of CARPLS Services does not create an attorney-client relationship unless such a relationship is explicitly established through a separate written agreement.

As-Is Services

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

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, CARPLS will not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages resulting from the use of our Services.

This includes damages related to loss of data, loss of service access, or other intangible losses.

Modifications to Services and Terms

CARPLS may modify, suspend, or discontinue any part of the Services at any time.

We may also update these Terms periodically. When updates occur, the “Last Updated” date will be revised and the updated Terms will be posted on our website.

Continued use of the Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised Terms.

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 remain in full force and effect.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms or CARPLS Services, please contact us through the Contact Us page on our website.

CARPLS TERMS OF SERVICE