What to Do If CPS Is Investigating You

If you are a parent that has been accused of a drug crime, it’s important to contact a skilled attorney as soon as possible. The prosecutor handling your case may try to bring child endangerment charges against you, along with drug crime charges, making it even more difficult to move on with your life after your case has been wrapped up. A CPS lawyer will work to protect you and your family from overzealous investigators and CPS workers that may try to take your children away. If you want more information about how to avoid unjust CPS decisions, contact our office online. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide you with a free initial case consultation. When the future of your family is on the line, don’t settle for second-rate defense. Reach out to a top defense firm today.

Tips for Handling CPS Investigations in Michigan

If CPS is already looking into your case, there are still ways to set yourself up to receive a favorable outcome. Following these ten tips will put you on track to proving your innocence and help you keep your family together.

1. Take criminal accusations and investigations seriously.
   Among the most common mistakes we see defendants make in criminal cases is not taking charges seriously. Just because you know that you are innocent does not mean that the prosecutor handling your case will believe you. You need to aggressively fight for justice, starting by hiring an attorney early on in your case.
2. Do what is necessary to learn about the charges you’re facing.
   If a CPS worker or prosecutor shows up at your door, ask questions to find out what charges you’re up against. This information is critical as you decide how to proceed in your case. The more information you have about what they believe you have done, the easier it will be to prove them wrong and show your innocence.
3. Find an experienced attorney to handle your case.
   Dealing with CPS workers, police, and prosecutors can be complex. Hiring a defense attorney is always the best first step in protecting yourself and your family. Your attorney will deal directly with your caseworkers, shielding you from aggressive investigation tactics that can be intimidating. Your lawyer will review the details of your case and advise you of the best course of action to reach your desired results.
4. Let your attorney do the talking.
   Your attorney will interact with police and prosecutors as your case is investigated. This will save you from making unwise decisions when pressured. It’s not uncommon for defendants to plead guilty to a crime they did not commit, simply because a prosecutor has pressured them into believing it’s their best shot at making the problem go away. When you have an attorney on your side, you don’t have to wonder if you’re making the right decision or not. Your lawyer will advise you every step of the way.
5. Treat caseworkers with respect.
   When a CPS worker shows up at your door unannounced, it’s easy to feel attacked and react negatively. This will not help you achieve your desired results. It’s important to treat individuals handling your case with courtesy and respect.
6. Know your legal rights.
   Just because you should treat caseworkers with respect does not mean you need to let them walk all over you. It’s important to know your legal rights and act on them. For example, if a CPS agent shows up and asks to come inside your house, you can ask to see a warrant. If he or she cannot produce a warrant, it is your legal right to deny access.
7. Have a doctor investigate claims of physical abuse.
   If you’ve been accused of child abuse, take your child or children to a doctor that you trust and have him or her write up a report of the child’s condition. A doctor will be able to tell the difference between abuse and accidental bumps and bruises, protecting you from wrongful accusations.
8. Keep a record of interactions with caseworkers.
   If a CPS agent asks to speak with your child alone, request that the conversation be recorded. This information is valuable to your attorney as he or she preps your defense. It will also protect you from misunderstandings or false reports that a prosecutor may produce if there is no record of the conversation.
9. Prepare for the worst.
   While you should trust your attorney and hope for a just outcome, it never hurts to prepare for the worst. It is possible that you child or children may be temporarily be removed from your home. Compile a list of friends and relatives that would be willing to care for them to minimize trauma.
10. Never admit guilt.
    It’s very important to consult with your attorney before accepting a plea bargain, especially if you are innocent. Police or prosecutors may bribe or threaten you in an attempt to get a confession. Don’t cave in and always maintain your innocence.

Contact Us for 24/7 Criminal Defense

If you need help defending your innocence, contact us now. A skilled case analyst will connect you with a skilled defense attorney and get you on track to receiving a fair outcome in your criminal case.