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LITIGATION DEFENSE
Termination of Parental Rights cases have been called the death penalty of civil cases. They can be highly complex and full of traps for the unwary, all while the fate of your child hangs in the balance. Having a battle-tested attorney on your side is a must.
I focus on CPS defense work. I have over twenty years’ experience in CPS litigation. It’s what I do. Every day.
From filing an original answer to final jury trial, you can trust me with your exceedingly important case.
INVESTIGATION DEFENSE
CPS investigations can be frightening. Investigators, by training or inclination, are adept at making threats and at keeping you in the dark about what you’re accused of. They certainly are not going to inform you of your rights – or their responsibilities.
I will guide you through this stressful process, all the while “standing up to the bully” on your behalf. I’ll force them to disclose the allegations, determine whether they even have the authority to investigate, and if so keep them within their legal boundaries while they do.
ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW OF INVESTIGATION FINDINGS (ARIF)
A decision by CPS that you committed abuse or neglect can have severe and long-lasting consequences. It can put up insurmountable obstacles against you working or volunteering with children. Adopting a child just became harder, if not impossible.
You have a right to a review of that decision. The process is called an Administrative Review of Investigation Findings. I am well versed in this process. I will analyze the facts and law of your case, determine your likelihood of success at the Review, and present your case before the reviewer (known as a resolution specialist).
You only have a 45 day window after receiving the CPS Notice of Findings to request this review – so don’t delay!
APPEALS
Judges and juries can get it wrong. A confusion about legal standards, a prosecutor who persuades with emotion instead of facts, an unfair exclusion of critical evidence, and injustice can result.
That’s what an appeal is for. It gives you the right to seek a reversal of the trial court’s decision by one or more judges in a higher court.
I will review the trial court record, prepare a written argument (called a “brief”) explaining why I believe the trial court got it wrong, and present that argument to the appellate court on your behalf.
Be aware! The deadline to file a CPS appeal is “accelerated.” You have only 20 days after the judgment or order is signed to file.