Pretrial and Pleas Proceedings of CPS Investigation

During a CPS investigation in Michigan there will be pretrial and/or plea proceedings. Your attorney experienced in CPS matters and the court will consider matters that would facilitate a fair trial at a conference. Some may include the estimated length, the simplification of issues involved, the possibility of settling the case, the identity of the witnesses that will testify, the limitation on the number or expert witnesses, and any other matter that may promote an expeditious decision.

The accused may choose to plead no contest or admission to the petition. If this happens, the court will advise him or her of the following in writing:

• All defendants have the right to an attorney.
• The allegations in the petition.
• Taking a plea may lead to the termination of parental rights.
• If the court accepts the plea, the respondent will forfeit rights to a trial by judge or jury, the right to cross-examine witnesses, the petitioner’s burden to prove guilt by a preponderance of the evidence, having witnesses appear and testify during trial.

For a plea to be valid, it must be made knowingly and voluntarily. It is never a good idea to file a plea if you are innocent. Your attorney will examine the details of your case and help you make a wise decision when it comes to how you approach your defense.

CPS Investigation Process in Michigan

If you’re a parent and you’ve been accused of a drug crime, such as manufacturing and cultivating, distributing, or selling drugs, contacting a defense attorney is a wise decision. You may be up against a CPS investigation and potentially additional criminal charges. A CPS investigation usually involves a home visit, interviews, a review of case documents, a physical examination, and a family assessment. The case will be placed into one of five categories and a course of action will be decided with the health and wellbeing of the child in mind. If your child is removed from your home, you’re entitled to a Preliminary hearing within 24 hours. During this hearing, the Petitioner will attempt to prove there is probable cause that the child was endangered in some way.

Accused of a Drug Crime and Neglecting Your Children

No two criminal cases are alike. If you’ve been accused of committing a drug crime and abusing or neglecting your children in the process, you need a seasoned defense attorney to look into your case and build an airtight defense. The Grabel & Associates team has over 15 years of experience defending clients involved in drug crime cases. Our thorough knowledge of Michigan law and experience fighting allegations set us apart from other firms. We are committed to providing every client with a completely customized defense, dependent on the details of his or her case. We’ll explore every legal option, including pleas, to find the approach that results in the best outcome available.

The sooner you connect with us, the better your chances are at a just case result. Your attorney will use every moment they have to conduct their own investigation, ensuring all of the facts are straight.

Best Available Results is Our Top Priority

Earning you the best available results is our top priority. At Grabel & Associates, we’ll explore every option, including pleas, to find you a wise approach to your defense. Facing drug crime charges can be nerve racking, especially if you’re a parent or legal guardian. If you’re under investigation and you’re feeling overwhelmed with the decisions you have to make, pick up the phone and give us a call. We’re happy to step in at any stage of your case and will aggressively battle on your behalf to ensure you have a shot at a fair outcome.

Contact Us 24/7

To speak with a skilled case analyst, simply contact us online here. A member of our staff is available anytime day or night to take your call. He or she will provide you with a free initial case consultation and connect you with a lawyer who understands the ins and outs of Michigan drug crime law. We’ll provide you with sound legal advice, putting you on track to receiving the best possible result.