Preliminary Hearing of CPS Investigation in Michigan

CPS does not have the power to remove your child without a court order. Only police can take a child if there is an emergency situation. If your child is taken, a preliminary hearing must be scheduled within 24 hours. During the hearing, CPS will present evidence in an attempt to prove that there is probable cause to believe that the child is in danger. If the judge agrees, he or she will authorize the filing of the petition to remove the child. Unlike criminal trials, Rules of Evidence do not apply. This means that hearsay is admissible. To be successful, you’ll need a defense attorney that has experience battling CPS. Your drug crime attorney experienced in CPS should use this opportunity to cross-examine CPS and lock in their stories before your jurisdiction trial. This information will be invaluable as your lawyer prepares your defense.

Preliminary Hearing with Child Protective Services: CPS Investigation Process

Child Protective Services, or CPS, works to keep children safe. When someone suspects a child is in danger or has been harmed by his or her parent or guardian, they can call CPS and file a report. When CPS receives these calls, they screen them and decide if an investigation is warranted. If they decide to go ahead with the investigation, they’ll begin looking into the case within 24 hours. An investigation typically consists of a home visit, interviews, a review of case documents, and a doctor’s visit. After the investigation is complete, the CPS worker will place the case in one of four categories and decide how to proceed.

What Happens After CPS Removes a Child?

The most important factor is these cases is the health and wellbeing of the child. It is often in the child’s best interest to be reunited with his or her family, so the case will be under review again in 6 months to determine how the situation has progressed. Review hearings will take place every 91 days until the child is returned to his or her home or another long-term solution is reached. A Permanency Planning Hearing will be held within one year of removal, during which the court will determine where to place the child permanently if they have not already decided. During the process, you will be allowed to visit your child unless CPS determines visits could harm your child in any way. Your lawyer will work to prove that you are a fit parent or guardian and that you should retain custody of your child.

The Grabel & Associates team has over 15 years of experience fighting drug crime charges involving CPS in Michigan. If you’ve been accused, contacting us is the first step in fighting back. We’ll help you navigate your criminal case, as well as your CPS investigation if you’re a parent who has been accused of abuse and neglect. When the future of your family is on the line, you want Michigan’s leading defense firm fighting on your behalf. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our seasoned team to learn more about how our experience and knowledge can benefit you in your case.

Our Approach to CPS Preliminary Hearings in Michigan

Preparing for a CPS investigation in the midst of fighting against drug charges can be difficult. We’ll help you stay organized and will prepare you for all possible outcomes. When you contact Grabel & Associates, you can rest assured knowing that you have a team of Michigan’s leading defense attorneys on your side. Our lawyers will work to prove your innocence or earn you the best available outcome. If CPS has already taken your child, we’ll prepare you to get him or her back. The sooner you reach out to us, the better we can serve you. Pick up the phone and call us today.

Contact Us for 24/7 CPS Preliminary Hearing Defense

Contact us online to receive a free initial case consultation. Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. If you need help fighting against overzealous CPS workers, police, and prosecutors, reaching out to us is the first step.