What Is Pre-Charge Representation — And Why You Might Need It in Ramsey County?

Feb 25

When most people think about hiring a criminal defense attorney, they assume it happens after charges are filed. In reality, one of the most important stages of any criminal case happens before a formal complaint is ever issued.

In Ramsey County, investigations involving allegations such as criminal sexual conduct, child pornography, assault, domestic violence, or other felony-level offenses often begin quietly — with a phone call, a knock at the door, or a request to “come in and talk.”

That moment is when you should call Jack Rice Defense.

If you are being investigated in Ramsey County, contact Jack Rice Defense for a free, confidential consultation at:

📞 651-447-7650
📞 612-227-1339

What Is Pre-Charge Representation?

Pre-charge representation means hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney before the prosecutor files formal criminal charges.

You may not have been arrested.
You may not know exactly what you are being accused of.
You may have simply received a voicemail from a detective.

But once law enforcement contacts you, the process has already begun.

At Jack Rice Defense, we regularly represent individuals in Ramsey County who are under investigation but have not yet been charged. Early intervention can dramatically change the direction — and sometimes the outcome — of a case.

What an Investigation in Ramsey County May Look Like

Investigations don’t always start with handcuffs. In Ramsey County, they often begin with:

A detective calling to “ask a few questions”
A request to come down to the station
Officers showing up at your home or workplace
A search warrant for your phone, home, or computer
Contact from child protection
Being told you are a “person of interest,” “focus,” or “target”

You may feel tempted to clear things up.

That instinct can be dangerous.

Why Talking to Police Without a Lawyer Is Risky

Many good, law-abiding people believe that if they simply explain their side, everything will go away.

But law enforcement is not calling to hear your side of the story. They are building a case.

Police are trained investigators. Their job is to gather evidence — and that includes statements that can later be:

Taken out of context
Misinterpreted
Compared against digital evidence
Used to create inconsistencies

Even innocent explanations can:

Lock you into a timeline
Provide new investigative leads
Be characterized as partial admissions

Once something is said, it cannot be unsaid.

As Jack Rice often tells clients:

“The police are not here to be your friends or to get your side of the story. They are building a case. Don’t call them back. Call us.”

Why Experience Matters in Ramsey County

Jack Rice brings decades of experience to criminal defense, including:

Former prosecutor
A Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist )less than 3% of all criminal defense attorneys have this designation)
Nationally recognized legal analyst
Extensive trial experience in serious felony cases

That background matters — especially during the investigative stage.

Jack understands how cases are built because he has been on the inside. He knows:

How detectives structure investigations
How reports are written
What prosecutors look for when reviewing a charging file
How early statements influence charging decisions

In Ramsey County, charging decisions are often influenced by:

Early interviews
Digital evidence
Perceived credibility
Whether the individual is represented
The narrative presented to the prosecutor

Pre-charge representation allows Jack to intervene before that narrative is locked in.

How Pre-Charge Representation Protects You

Hiring Jack Rice Defense early can:

1. Stop Direct Police Contact

Once you are represented, law enforcement must go through your attorney. This prevents surprise interviews and pressure tactics.

2. Control the Flow of Information

Instead of reacting emotionally, you act strategically. Sometimes silence is the strongest move. Other times, a carefully structured response is appropriate. Strategy matters.

3. Shape the Narrative Early

In certain cases, Jack can communicate directly with investigators or prosecutors to provide context or evidence that may prevent charges from being filed at all.

4. Influence Charging Decisions

Prosecutors take cases more seriously when they know an experienced trial attorney is involved. Early advocacy can affect whether charges are filed — and what level of charges are pursued.

5. Protect What Matters Most

An investigation alone can threaten:

Your job
Your professional license
Your family
Your reputation
Your freedom

The earlier the defense begins, the stronger it can be.

When Should You Call?

You should contact Jack Rice Defense immediately if:

A detective leaves you a voicemail
Police ask to search your phone
You receive a target letter
Child protection contacts you
Officers execute a search warrant
You hear allegations may be coming
You believe someone may accuse you of a crime

You do not need to wait for an arrest.

In fact, waiting is often the biggest mistake people make.

Ramsey County Investigations Move Fast

Investigations in Ramsey County can escalate quickly. Search warrants are executed. Digital evidence is analyzed. Charging memos are drafted.

By the time you are formally charged, much of the case may already be shaped by early statements and investigative decisions.

Pre-charge representation allows you to shape the process — not simply react to it.

The Bottom Line

If the police want to talk, it is serious.

If you suspect you are under investigation, it is serious.

If you are unsure whether you need a lawyer, that uncertainty alone is reason enough to call.

Early intervention can mean the difference between:

Charges filed vs. no charges
Felony vs. misdemeanor
A proactive defense vs. playing catch-up
Protecting your record vs. permanent damage

Do not gamble with your future.

Contact Jack Rice Defense

If you are facing an investigation in Ramsey County — or believe you might be — contact Jack Rice Defense immediately.