PreCharge representation
The most important decisions in a criminal case are often made before any charge exists.
Serving East Lansing, Lansing, Mason, Jackson, St Johns, Charlotte, and the surrounding Mid-Michigan communities.
If a detective has called, left a card, or asked you to "come in and talk," you are likely under investigation — and what you do in the next few days can shape whether charges are ever filed at all. I'm Tara Nichol, a trial-focused criminal defense attorney based in East Lansing whose practice focuses on criminal defense. I represent people during the investigation stage, before charges are formally filed, when early, careful decisions carry the most weight.
You are not required to talk to police on your own. You are allowed to have a lawyer speak for you. Getting advice before you say anything is not an admission of guilt — it is how people protect themselves from turning a situation that might have gone nowhere into a charge.
If law enforcement has contacted you, requested an interview, or you simply believe you may be accused of something, let's talk before you respond.
Call 517-299-5659 · Schedule a consultation
If police have asked to speak with you, you can say this: "I'm not going to answer questions right now, and I'd like to speak with my attorney."That sentence is not an admission of anything. It is your right, and it buys you the time to get advice before you make decisions you can't take back.
When this comes up
- Police called, left a card, or asked you to "come in and talk"
- A detective or investigator contacted you by phone, text, social media, or in person
- Someone told you a complaint has been made, or you believe you may be accused
- You're worried about a search or seizure, or unsure what to do about your phone or accounts
- You want to protect yourself without accidentally making the situation worse
How I help at the investigation stage
- Sorting out what's actually known, what's assumed, and what still needs to be verified
- Explaining your rights clearly — especially how to avoid self-incrimination
- Handling communication with law enforcement through counsel, so you're not talking to investigators alone
- Identifying and preserving evidence, documents, and witnesses before they disappear
- Building a strategy with a possible trial in mind, even this early
The goal at this stage is straightforward: reduce risk, avoid preventable mistakes, and, where possible, influence what charges are filed — or whether any are filed at all.
What to bring / what I need from you
- Any voicemail, business card, letter, or message from law enforcement
- A timeline of events and the names of anyone involved
- Any paperwork you've received (complaint, subpoena, court notice)
- Screenshots or messages relevant to the situation — do not delete anything
- Any prior related court orders or pending cases, if applicable
A note on that "do not delete anything" line: deleting messages, photos, or accounts once you believe you're under investigation can create a separate and more serious problem. Preserve everything and let your attorney advise you on it.
Your top questions
Q: What does pre-charge representation mean, and how can a lawyer help before I'm charged?
A: The pre-charge investigation is the period when law enforcement is gathering information and deciding whether to bring charges. During that window, I help clients slow down, avoid self-incrimination, preserve important evidence, and make careful decisions about communication — all through counsel. The focus is on early intervention: lowering risk and protecting your future before the situation hardens into a charge.
Q: A detective called me or left a card. What should I do?
A: Don't ignore it — but don't rush into an interview either. Save the voicemail or card, write down what you know (dates, names, anything that was said), and keep any relevant messages or documents. Don't discuss the matter with other people or post about it online. Get advice quickly so you understand your options before you take a next step.
Q: Can talking early actually help me avoid charges?
A: Sometimes, yes — but it depends on the specific facts and on how the situation is handled. The reliable part is this: getting guidance early, before you make a statement or before evidence hardens, lowers your risk and helps you avoid unnecessary mistakes. In a consultation, we'll look at your situation and map out sensible next steps.
Q: Do I have to talk to the police if they contact me?
A: Generally, no. You have the right to decline to answer questions and to have an attorney speak on your behalf. Declining to be interviewed without a lawyer is not evidence of guilt, and it's often the single most protective decision available to you at this stage.
Don't wait — reach out right away if you believe police are investigating you. The earlier I'm involved, the more options you're likely to have.
Call 517-299-5659 or send a message now!
