College and Youth Defense

Serving clients in East Lansing, Lansing, Flint, Jackson, Charlotte—plus surrounding Mid-Michigan communities. 

If you’re a student, young adult, or parent dealing with a charge or investigation, the stakes can be bigger than a single court date—school, work, housing, and future opportunities can all be affected. I’m Tara Nichol, a defense attorney based in East Lansing specializing in criminal defense and youth legal representation. I help clients take early, practical steps to protect their rights and make informed decisions regarding both criminal matters and college discipline processes, depending on the school’s rules and procedures.  

Schedule a consultation: attorneytaranichol.com/schedule 

When this comes up  

- Minor in Possession (MIP), fake ID, or alcohol-related allegations  

- Dorm/party incidents that lead to police contact or campus discipline  

- Shoplifting/retail fraud accusations  

- Drug possession allegations  

- Assault allegations or conflicts between students  

- A school investigation, conduct meeting, or disciplinary hearing notice  

What I do (trial-focused approach):  

- Clarify what’s happening: criminal case, school discipline, or both  

- Explain the process and timelines in plain English so you’re not guessing  

- Help you prepare for interviews/meetings and avoid avoidable mistakes  

- Build a strategy that accounts for both court outcomes and school consequences  

- Coordinate next steps with a calm, practical plan (and trial-focused preparation when a case requires it)  

What to bring / what I need from you:  

- Any court paperwork (ticket, complaint, bond papers, notices)  

- Any school paperwork (conduct notice, hearing letter, emails from administrators)  

- A timeline of events and names of involved people  

- Screenshots/messages/photos relevant to the situation (don’t delete anything)  

- Scholarship/housing/program concerns you want to protect  

- Prior record/probation paperwork (if applicable)  

Your Top Questions (FAQ)  

Q: I’m a parent. What should I do first if my child is arrested or cited?  

A: Start by getting and saving all paperwork (ticket, bond papers, court notices) and writing down a clear timeline of what happened. Make sure you understand any immediate conditions (no-contact orders, curfews, testing, school restrictions) so your child doesn’t accidentally violate them. Then get advice early from a lawyer to understand deadlines and next steps.  

Q: Can a juvenile charge affect school discipline, sports, or future opportunities?  

A: It can. Schools may have their own conduct rules and discipline processes separate from court, and consequences can include suspension, expulsion, or loss of extracurricular eligibility (sports/clubs). Even minor cases can escalate quickly within the school system, creating real stress for families. That’s why early planning for both criminal defense and college discipline is crucial when school involvement is part of the situation.  

Q: I’m in college. Can I have both a court case and a campus discipline case at the same time?  

A: Yes, that can happen, and the timelines and rules may differ. What you say in one process can affect the other. In some situations, a defense attorney can assist with the discipline process depending on the school’s procedures, so seeking advice early can help you navigate both cases effectively.  

Don't wait - contact us immediately if you or your child is facing criminal or discipline charges.  

Call 517-299-5659 or send a message now!  

Schedule Your Consultation Today