{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Attorney Tara Nichol","home_page_url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com","description":"Attorney Tara Nichol","author":{"name":"Attorney Tara Nichol"},"items":[{"id":"what-happens-after-an-arrest-in-michigan-72-hour-checklist","html_content":"

Getting arrested is scary and disorienting. Most people don’t know what happens next, what they’re allowed to do, or what they should not do. This checklist is meant to help you stay grounded and protect yourself in th...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/what-happens-after-an-arrest-in-michigan-72-hour-checklist","title":"What Happens After an Arrest in Michigan: 72 Hour Checklist","date_modified":"2026-05-05T15:00:00Z"},{"id":"why-now-is-the-right-time-to-start-your-estate-plan-in-michigan","html_content":"

A lot of people know estate planning matters. What often gets in the way is timing. It is easy to tell yourself you will get to it after things slow down, after a major life event, or when you feel more ready. But for ma...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/why-now-is-the-right-time-to-start-your-estate-plan-in-michigan","title":"Why Now Is the Right Time to Start Your Estate Plan in Michigan","date_modified":"2026-04-28T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"will-trust-or-power-of-attorney-common-questions-answered","html_content":"

If you have started thinking about estate planning, you have probably come across a lot of terms that sound familiar, but still feel unclear in practice. Will. Trust. Power of attorney. For many people, the hardest p...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/will-trust-or-power-of-attorney-common-questions-answered","title":"Will, Trust, or Power of Attorney? Common Questions Answered","date_modified":"2026-04-21T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"how-your-estate-plan-protects-your-family-in-michigan","html_content":"

When people hear the phrase estate planning, they often think only about what happens after someone dies. That is part of it, but it is not the full picture. In many cases, estate planning is also about protecting you ...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/how-your-estate-plan-protects-your-family-in-michigan","title":"How Your Estate Plan Protects Your Family in Michigan ","date_modified":"2026-04-14T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"starting-estate-planning-in-michigan-without-feeling-overwhelmed","html_content":"

If estate planning has been on your to-do list for a while, you are not alone. Many people know it is important, but still feel unsure where to begin. The good news is that getting started does not have to feel overwhe...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/starting-estate-planning-in-michigan-without-feeling-overwhelmed","title":"Starting Estate Planning in Michigan Without Feeling Overwhelmed","date_modified":"2026-04-07T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"plea-deal-vs-trial-in-lansingeast-lansing-pros-and-cons","html_content":"

One of the hardest moments in a criminal case is deciding whether to accept a plea deal or take your case to trial. People often feel pressured to decide quickly, especially when they’re scared about jail, their job, or ...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/plea-deal-vs-trial-in-lansingeast-lansing-pros-and-cons","title":"Plea Deal vs. Trial in Lansing/East Lansing: Pros and Cons ","date_modified":"2026-03-24T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"preliminary-exam-explained-for-lansingeast-lansing-felony-cases","html_content":"

If you’re facing a felony in Michigan, you may hear the phrase “preliminary exam” and assume it’s basically your trial. It’s not. But it is important.

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Your first court date can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve never been in trouble before. The good news: most first appearances are procedural. You’re not expected to “argue your case” that day. Your job is to show...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/what-to-bring-to-your-first-court-appearance-in-lansing","title":"What to Bring to Your First Court Appearance in Lansing","date_modified":"2026-03-10T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"what-to-do-if-you%E2%80%99re-arrested-in-lansing-or-east-lansing","html_content":"

Let's learn the 6 steps that help protect yourself right away

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/what-to-do-if-you%E2%80%99re-arrested-in-lansing-or-east-lansing","title":"What to Do If You’re Arrested in Lansing or East Lansing ","date_modified":"2026-03-03T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"your-drivers-license-after-an-owi-make-it-less-scary","html_content":"

If you’re facing an OWI in Michigan, you might assume the scariest part is court.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/your-drivers-license-after-an-owi-make-it-less-scary","title":"Your Driver's License After an OWI: Make it Less Scary","date_modified":"2026-02-24T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"first-owi-in-michigan-5-questions-id-want-you-to-ask-me","html_content":"

A first OWI can feel like your whole life is about to collapse.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/first-owi-in-michigan-5-questions-id-want-you-to-ask-me","title":"First OWI in Michigan: 5 Questions I'd Want You to Ask Me","date_modified":"2026-02-17T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"refusing-a-breath-test-in-michigan-myths-busted-and-explained","html_content":"

“Should I refuse the breath test?” is one of the most common questions I hear after an OWI stop. And it makes sense. In the moment, it can feel like every option is a trap. You’re scared. You’re trying to protect yoursel...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/refusing-a-breath-test-in-michigan-myths-busted-and-explained","title":"Refusing a Breath Test in Michigan: Myths Busted and Explained","date_modified":"2026-02-10T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"pulled-over-in-michigan-simple-owi-step-by-step-for-whats-next","html_content":"

Getting pulled over is stressful. Even if you’ve never been in trouble before, even if you’re a “rule follower,” even if you’re convinced this is all a misunderstanding. When the lights come on behind you, your body goes...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/pulled-over-in-michigan-simple-owi-step-by-step-for-whats-next","title":"Pulled over in Michigan? Simple OWI Step by Step for What's Next","date_modified":"2026-02-03T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"second-chances-how-to-get-your-juvenile-back-on-track","html_content":"

One of the most hopeful parts of juvenile law is that the system can allow room for growth.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/second-chances-how-to-get-your-juvenile-back-on-track","title":"Second Chances: How to Get Your Juvenile Back on Track","date_modified":"2026-01-27T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"school-incidents-that-can-become-legal-problems","html_content":"

One of the hardest parts for families is how fast school issues can escalate.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/school-incidents-that-can-become-legal-problems","title":"School Incidents That Can Become Legal Problems ","date_modified":"2026-01-20T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"minors%E2%80%99-rights-in-michigan-what-teens-and-parents-should-know","html_content":"

A common myth: “Minors don’t have rights.”

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/minors%E2%80%99-rights-in-michigan-what-teens-and-parents-should-know","title":"Minors’ Rights in Michigan: What Teens (and Parents) Should Know","date_modified":"2026-01-13T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"juvenile-court-in-michigan-what-happens-after-a-youth-is-accused","html_content":"

If your child is pulled into the juvenile system, it can feel like everything moves fast—and the language is confusing. You’re not alone.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/juvenile-court-in-michigan-what-happens-after-a-youth-is-accused","title":"Juvenile Court in Michigan: What Happens After a Youth Is Accused","date_modified":"2026-01-06T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"if-a-lansing-police-call-you-you-call-your-lansing-attorney","html_content":"

If you got a call (or voicemail) from a detective, you may be in the pre‑charge stage—meaning law enforcement is investigating, but you have not been formally charged.

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A lot of people think a traffic stop is just about the ticket.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/the-question-that-complicates-a-routine-traffic-stop","title":"The Question That Complicates a Routine Traffic Stop","date_modified":"2025-12-15T19:21:18Z"},{"id":"5-michigan-traffic-offenses-that-can-be-criminal-charges","html_content":"

Most people think of traffic tickets as minor annoyances—pay the fine, move on with your life. But certain traffic violations in Michigan are treated as misdemeanors, carrying penalties that include jail time, permanent ...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/5-michigan-traffic-offenses-that-can-be-criminal-charges","title":"5 Michigan Traffic Offenses That Can Be Criminal Charges","date_modified":"2025-12-02T17:14:28Z"},{"id":"things-to-be-grateful-for-about-the-law-this-thanksgiving","html_content":"

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, it's easy to focus on what's broken in our legal system. But today, I want to take a moment to reflect on what we can be genuinely grateful for—the protections, rights, an...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/things-to-be-grateful-for-about-the-law-this-thanksgiving","title":"Things to Be Grateful For About The Law This Thanksgiving","date_modified":"2025-11-20T15:18:14Z"},{"id":"what-to-expect-at-your-first-court-appearance-in-michigan","html_content":"

Going to court for the first time can feel overwhelming. Whether you're facing a misdemeanor or felony charge in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, or Genesee County, knowing what to expect at your arraignment can help you...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/what-to-expect-at-your-first-court-appearance-in-michigan","title":"What to Expect at Your First Court Appearance in Michigan","date_modified":"2025-11-12T11:00:00Z"},{"id":"do-you-really-need-an-attorney-for-a-michigan-traffic-ticket","html_content":"

It's one of the most common questions I hear: \"Do I really need to hire an attorney for a traffic ticket?\"

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/do-you-really-need-an-attorney-for-a-michigan-traffic-ticket","title":"Do you really need an attorney for a Michigan traffic ticket?","date_modified":"2025-11-04T17:00:00Z"},{"id":"how-to-handle-unsolicited-legal-advice-from-family","html_content":"

You've just been charged with a crime. You're scared, confused, and trying to figure out your next steps. Then it starts—the flood of opinions from well-meaning family members.

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After spending considerable time in courtrooms across Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, and Genesee counties this past week, I've noticed people making the same avoidable mistakes that can negatively impact their cases. ...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/court-etiquette-essential-dos-and-donts-to-remember","title":"Court Etiquette: Essential Do's and Don'ts To Remember","date_modified":"2025-10-08T12:58:13Z"},{"id":"october-your-month-for-a-fresh-legal-start","html_content":"

October brings more than cooler temperatures and changing leaves—it offers a powerful opportunity for new beginnings. If you've been putting off addressing a legal concern, feeling overwhelmed by a pending case, or simp...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/october-your-month-for-a-fresh-legal-start","title":"October: Your Month for a Fresh Legal Start","date_modified":"2025-10-01T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"victory-friday-msu-students-dui-reduced-to-non-moving-violation","html_content":"

Client Success Story

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/victory-friday-msu-students-dui-reduced-to-non-moving-violation","title":"Victory Friday: MSU Student's DUI Reduced to Non-Moving Violation","date_modified":"2025-09-26T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"ask-attorney-tara-did-i-make-the-right-choice-in-refusing-pbt","html_content":"

The Question

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/ask-attorney-tara-did-i-make-the-right-choice-in-refusing-pbt","title":"Ask Attorney Tara: Did I make the right choice in refusing PBT?","date_modified":"2025-09-24T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"game-day-dui-enforcement-what-msu-students-need-to-know","html_content":"

Introduction

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/game-day-dui-enforcement-what-msu-students-need-to-know","title":"Game Day OWI Enforcement: What MSU Students Need to Know ","date_modified":"2025-09-22T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"victory-friday-how-payment-plans-helped-these-michigan-clients","html_content":"

This Week's Victory Friday: Payment Plans = Access to Justice

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/victory-friday-how-payment-plans-helped-these-michigan-clients","title":"Victory Friday: How Payment Plans Helped These Michigan Clients ","date_modified":"2025-09-19T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"payment-plan-calculator-exactly-what-quality-legal-help-costs","html_content":"

Why I Built My Practice Around Payment Plans

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/payment-plan-calculator-exactly-what-quality-legal-help-costs","title":"Payment Plan Calculator: Exactly What Quality Legal Help Costs","date_modified":"2025-09-16T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"michigan-job-change-billing-disputes-how-to-fix-it-fast","html_content":"

You finally landed that new job - better pay, better benefits, better future. Then the medical bills start arriving.

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/michigan-job-change-billing-disputes-how-to-fix-it-fast","title":"Michigan Job Change Billing Disputes: How to Fix It Fast","date_modified":"2025-09-09T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"michigan-families-beware-unmasking-back-to-school-scams","html_content":"

September in Michigan isn't just about new backpacks and school supplies—it's prime hunting season for scammers targeting unsuspecting families. As a consumer protection attorney serving East Lansing and beyond, I've se...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/michigan-families-beware-unmasking-back-to-school-scams","title":"Michigan Families Beware: Unmasking Back-to-School Scams ","date_modified":"2025-09-05T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"east-lansing-parents-when-school-discipline-becomes-serious","html_content":"

As a parent in East Lansing, the start of the school year brings a mix of excitement and anxiety. But what happens when a routine school disciplinary meeting threatens to derail your child's future? Michigan families ne...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/east-lansing-parents-when-school-discipline-becomes-serious","title":"East Lansing Parents: When School Discipline Becomes Serious","date_modified":"2025-09-03T00:32:10Z"},{"id":"the-real-cost-of-a-drunk-driving-case","html_content":"

\"It's just a misdemeanor,\" you think after your DUI arrest. \"I'll pay the fine and move on.\" But six months later, you've spent over $10,000, and you're still dealing with consequences you never saw coming. The real cost...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/the-real-cost-of-a-drunk-driving-case","title":"The Real Cost of a Drunk Driving Case","date_modified":"2025-08-29T16:00:00Z"},{"id":"the-5000-mistake-why-you-cannot-afford-not-to-hire","html_content":"

Last week, I watched a Michigan resident lose $5,000 because they were afraid of an $800 legal fee. This happens more often than you'd think in Lansing, Jackson, East Lansing, and throughout mid-Michigan, and it breaks ...

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/the-5000-mistake-why-you-cannot-afford-not-to-hire","title":"Michigan Consumer Defense: Costly Mistakes To Avoid","date_modified":"2025-08-15T13:45:11Z"},{"id":"unexpected-life-changes-can-be-good","html_content":"

Starting My Private Practice Again: A Michigan Attorney's Journey

","url":"https://attorneytaranichol.com/f/unexpected-life-changes-can-be-good","title":"Second Time Solo: Reopening My Michigan Law Practice","date_modified":"2025-07-27T23:54:47Z"}]}