Criminal lawyers advising people who have not been charged with a crime, but have concern that they could be charged, are said to be providing “pre-charge counsel.”
The goal of pre-charge legal counsel is to reduce the likelihood of being charged with a crime; and secondarily, to reduce or avoid the possibility of conviction if charged. In general, this is accomplished in two ways: increase awareness of and compliance with the law in the present and future; and, avoid helping the government obtain evidence of past events via searches, seizures and statements.
People who have the benefit of pre-charge legal counsel often can significantly reduce the chance of being charged with a crime, and significantly improve the outcome that would otherwise occur.
