Attorney Tara Nichol
Home
Areas of Practice
  • Criminal Defense
  • Consumer Protection
  • Juvenile Defense
  • CPS Defense
  • License Restoration
Service Locations
  • Clinton County
  • Eaton County
  • Genesee County
  • Ingham County
  • Jackson County
FAQ
Book Consult Today!
Fees and Payment Plans
Why Hire Me?
About Tara
Legal Insights Blog
Attorney Tara Nichol
Home
Areas of Practice
  • Criminal Defense
  • Consumer Protection
  • Juvenile Defense
  • CPS Defense
  • License Restoration
Service Locations
  • Clinton County
  • Eaton County
  • Genesee County
  • Ingham County
  • Jackson County
FAQ
Book Consult Today!
Fees and Payment Plans
Why Hire Me?
About Tara
Legal Insights Blog
More
  • Home
  • Areas of Practice
    • Criminal Defense
    • Consumer Protection
    • Juvenile Defense
    • CPS Defense
    • License Restoration
  • Service Locations
    • Clinton County
    • Eaton County
    • Genesee County
    • Ingham County
    • Jackson County
  • FAQ
  • Book Consult Today!
  • Fees and Payment Plans
  • Why Hire Me?
  • About Tara
  • Legal Insights Blog
  • Home
  • Areas of Practice
    • Criminal Defense
    • Consumer Protection
    • Juvenile Defense
    • CPS Defense
    • License Restoration
  • Service Locations
    • Clinton County
    • Eaton County
    • Genesee County
    • Ingham County
    • Jackson County
  • FAQ
  • Book Consult Today!
  • Fees and Payment Plans
  • Why Hire Me?
  • About Tara
  • Legal Insights Blog

Frequently Asked Questions:

Please reach us at contact@attorneytaranichol.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

 

Yes, I offer free consultations for all practice areas. During your consultation, we'll discuss your situation, explain your legal options, and determine if we're a good fit to work together.  Most consultations take 30 minutes and can be conducted over the phone or via video call for your convenience.


Ready to discuss your case? Call 517-299-5659 to schedule your free consultation today.


 Bring any documents related to your case, including:

  • Court papers, tickets, or citations
  • Police reports or incident reports
  • Correspondence from attorneys, courts, or agencies
  • Any contracts, agreements, or relevant paperwork
  • A list of questions you want to ask
  • Your driver's license and contact information


Don't worry if you don't have all documents yet - we can still have a productive consultation and obtain missing paperwork later.


Schedule your consultation today: 517-299-5659 


 

 Great question! I offer both free consultations and comprehensive case evaluations.  A free consultation is a 30 conversation where we discuss your situation and I explain your basic legal options.  A case evaluation is a deeper, more comprehensive service where I thoroughly analyze your case, research the specific laws and procedures that apply, and provide you with a detailed written assessment of your options, potential outcomes, and recommended strategy.  Case evaluations are available in Standard, Expedited, and Emergency tiers depending on your timeline and urgency.  Many clients find the case evaluation helpful when they need time to make informed decisions about their legal situation.


Want to learn more about my case evaluation sessions? Call 517-299-5659 to discuss your needs.


 

 Most cases are handled on an hourly rate basis with an initial retainer deposit. Some cases aree billed on a flat fee rate such as traffic violations.  I understand that legal fees can be a concern, which is why I offer flexible payment options to make quality legal representation accessible.  I offer payment plans based on your case complexity and financial situation.  During your free consultation, we'll discuss payment options that work for your budget. Don't let cost concerns prevent you from getting the legal help you need - we'll work together to find a solution.


Worried about legal costs? Call 517-299-5659 to discuss affordable payment options during your free consultation.


 

 Each case is unique, so retainers can vary depending on the type and complexity of your matter. For most cases, the retainer falls within a typical range—like $2,500 to $5,000 for misdemeanor or juvenile cases, and $1,500 to $3,000 for small claims defense. We’ll always explain your expected costs and payment options up front during your consultation, so you can make an informed decision without any pressure.


Want to see what your monthly payment might look like?
Just scroll down to use our quick calculator and check estimated payment options for your situation.


Still have questions or want to talk specifics?  Call us at 517-299-5659 anytime.



 

I primarily serve clients in Ingham, Eaton, Clinton, Jackson, and Genesee counties. This includes cities like Lansing, East Lansing, Jackson, Flint, Charlotte, St. Johns, and surrounding communities.  I'm also willing to travel up to 50 miles or 1 hour beyond these primary areas.


Not sure if I serve your area? Call 517-299-5659 to discuss your location.


 

Yes, I can handle cases outside my primary service counties if you're willing to cover travel costs (mileage).  I've successfully represented clients throughout Michigan in other nearby counties.  For clients more than an hour away, we can often handle much of the communication via phone, email, and video calls, with in-person meetings scheduled strategically around court dates.


Live outside my main service area? Call 517-299-5659 to discuss your options.


 

 Several factors influence case timelines depending on the type of case:


Criminal Defense: Court schedules, complexity of charges, whether you accept a plea offer or go to trial, and how quickly evidence is processed.


Child Custody/CPS: Whether parents can reach agreements, court-ordered investigations, mediation requirements, and how contested the issues are.


Consumer Protection: Whether debt collectors respond to our challenges, court filing deadlines, and if we can negotiate settlements outside of court.


License Restoration: Preparation time for required documentation, hearing schedules, and whether additional evidence is needed.


Small Claims: Court availability, whether the other party responds to the lawsuit,  and the complexity of the dispute.


During your consultation, I'll give you a realistic timeline estimate based on your specific situation and the court where your case will be heard.  What I can tell you is that I work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while still fighting for the best outcome.


Want a timeline estimate for your specific case? Call 517-299-5659 for your free consultation.


 

 After over 10 years practicing law, I've learned that most people don't just need legal advice—they need someone who will listen, explain things clearly, and respect their ability to make their own decisions.  I don't pressure clients into quick settlements or tell them what they "should" do.  Instead, I focus on giving you all the information you need to make the best choice for your situation and your family.


I also deliberately limit my practice areas to criminal defense, family law, consumer protection, and license restoration because I believe you deserve an attorney who really knows these areas inside and out.  I'd rather be excellent at helping people with these specific challenges than mediocre at everything.  


Experience the difference personalized legal representation makes. Call 517-299-5659.


 Attorney Tara Nichol provides experienced legal representation in criminal defense, DUI defense, child custody, CPS defense, license restoration, consumer protection, and small claims defense throughout Michigan. Serving clients in Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, Okemos, Jackson, Flint, Grand Blanc, Davison, Charlotte, Grand Ledge, Potterville, St. Johns, DeWitt, Bath, and surrounding communities in Ingham County, Eaton County, Clinton County, Jackson County, and Genesee County. Call 517-299-5659 for a free consultation.


Attorney Disclosure: The information contained in this Website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. The use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Tara Nichol PLC. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established through a mutual, written agreement. Any information you send prior to this is not protected by the attorney-client privilege.


Copyright © 2025 Attorney Tara Nichol - All Rights Reserved.

2843 E Grand River Ave #315 East Lansing MI 48823

517-299-5659 

contact@attorneytaranichol.com

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