Termination of Parental Rights / Post Termination Review

If you’re a parent that has been accused of a drug crime, you have even more on the line. CPS may choose to look into your case and decide that you are an unfit guardian for your child. If they take your child and the judge agrees with their findings, your parental rights may be terminated. If you want to keep your family together and maintain custody of your children, pick up the phone and call our team of drug crime specialists today. We’ll help protect you in every aspect of your case, giving you control over your future again.

The legal term “drug crimes” is used to refer to many different criminal activities involving illegal substances. The penalties for drug crimes vary greatly, depending on the details of the crime and the kind and amount of drugs involved. If you’ve been accused of drug manufacturing, cultivating, distributing, or any other drug related crime, contact Grabel & Associates today. A skilled CPS attorney can help you fight back and earn the best results available in your criminal case.

CPS Investigations During Drug Crime Cases

If police are investigating you for drug crimes, CPS may decide to conduct their own investigation to determine if your child was harmed or neglected in any way as a result of your crime. Typically, a CPS investigation includes a home visit, interviews with you and your child, a doctor’s examination, and an assessment of your family’s strengths and weaknesses. If at any point during the investigation CPS feels your child is at risk, they may temporarily remove and place him or her with a friend, family member, or foster family. Preparing for this scenario by compiling a list of individuals willing to temporarily care for your child is a great way to protect your family. Your attorney will walk through these details with you.

If your child has been taken from you, a hearing will take place within 72 hours. Your attorney will use this hearing as an opportunity to gain information about what CPS uncovered during their investigation. Learning what you’re up against early on in your case can be invaluable as you work alongside your lawyer to build a strong defense. If you do not have an attorney at this early stage of your case, it’s best to say as little as possible during the initial hearing. Anything you say can and will be used against you later on.

Termination of Parental Rights in Drug Crime Cases

As your case continues to progress, you’ll have the opportunity to file a plea or present your side of the case before a judge. If you deny the allegations in the petition provided by CPS, your attorney will present evidence and testimony in court. Depending on the results of this hearing, your case will either be dismissed and your child will be returned to you or your parental rights will be terminated and a care plan will be developed. You’ll have a chance to review the plan with your lawyer and ask questions and request changes before it is implemented.

If your child is taken from your home, a review hearing will take place after the care plan has been in effect for six months. At the review hearing, a judge will look to see if you have followed the plan and made significant changes. If they believe you’ve progressed and are now the best guardian for your child, your child will be returned. If not, your case will be reviewed in another six months and permanent living solution for your child will be decided upon. Having a team of attorneys on your side throughout your entire CPS case will help you stay on track to maintaining your parental rights. Call Grabel & Associates today to learn more about our services and how they can benefit you in your CPS case.

Contact Us for 24/7 Criminal Defense

Contact us now to speak with a skilled case analyst. You’ll receive a free initial case consultation and be connected with an attorney that has worked on numerous CPS and drug crime cases in the past. Our knowledge and experience will be put to work the moment you call, putting you one step closer to your desired results.