Pre‑Charge Investigations
Early Intervention Can Change the Direction of a Case..
Serving clients in East Lansing, Lansing, Flint, Jackson, Charlotte—plus surrounding Mid‑Michigan communities.
If you think you’re being investigated, what you do next matters. I’m Tara Nichol, a defense attorney based in East Lansing, and I help clients respond strategically before charges are filed. Early intervention can reduce risk, prevent avoidable mistakes, and sometimes changes what gets filed—or whether anything gets filed at all. If police contacted you, asked for an interview, or you’re worried charges may be coming, let’s talk.
Schedule a consultation: attorneytaranichol.com/schedule
When this comes up
- Police called, left a card, or asked you to “come in and talk”
- You were contacted by a detective or investigator (phone, text, social media, or in person)
- Someone told you a complaint was made, or you think you may be accused
- You’re worried about a search, seizure, or what to do with your phone/accounts
- You want to protect yourself without making the situation worse
What I do (early intervention-focused approach)
- Clarify what’s known, what’s assumed, and what needs to be verified
- Help you understand your rights and how to avoid self-incrimination
- Develop a communication plan (if any) with law enforcement through counsel
- Identify helpful documents/witnesses and preserve evidence that may matter later
- Build a strategy with trial in mind, even at the earliest stage
What to bring / what I need from you
- Any voicemail, business card, letter, or message from law enforcement
- A timeline of events and names of people involved
- Any paperwork you received (complaint, subpoena, court notice)
- Screenshots/messages relevant to the situation (don’t delete anything)
- Any prior related court orders or pending cases (if applicable)
Your Top Questions (FAQ)
Q: What does “pre‑charge investigation” mean, and what can a lawyer do at this stage?
A: A pre‑charge investigation is the period when law enforcement is gathering information and deciding whether to request charges. At this stage, I help clients slow things down, avoid self‑incrimination, preserve helpful evidence, and make strategic decisions about communication (if any) through counsel. The goal is early intervention: reducing risk and protecting your future before the case hardens.
Q: What should I do if a detective called me or left a card?
A: Don’t ignore it, but don’t rush into an interview. Save the voicemail/card, write down what you know (dates, names, what was said), and keep any relevant messages or documents. Avoid discussing the situation with others or posting about it online. Then get advice quickly so you understand what you’re walking into and what options you have.
Q: Will talking early help me avoid charges?
A: Sometimes early intervention helps, but it depends on the facts and how the situation is handled. The bigger point is that early guidance can reduce risk and prevent avoidable mistakes—especially before statements are made or evidence gets locked in. In a consult, we’ll talk through what’s happening and what a smart next step looks like for your specific situation
Don't wait - contact us immediately if you think the police are investigating you.
