Adjudication Hearing for CPS

Child maltreatment cases are multi-faceted and require the assistance of a capable defense attorney. If you or a loved one has been charged with child abuse or neglect, contacting the Grabel & Associates team is the first step in achieving your desired results. Our team of CPS attorneys has worked on numerous cases involving individuals under the age of 18, and knows what it takes to successfully defend your parental rights. We’re here to walk you through every step of your case and prepare you for your court appearances and interactions with CPS.

Procedural, Required Judicial Findings, Plea Taking

If you’re facing your Adjudication Hearing and need help preparing, give us a call toll-free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A seasoned case analyst will review the details of your case and provide you with a free initial case consultation regarding the CPS and criminal challenges you may be about to face.

What Happens at an Adjudication Hearing?

In an attempt to make the process as smooth and uncomplicated as possible, many courts use mediation to settle disputes in child maltreatment cases. If a non-adversarial dispute resolution is not possible or unsuccessful, the case will proceed to adjudication after the initial hearing is held. During the Adjudication Hearing, CPS will have the burden of proving the allegations against you are true. The attorney for CPS will present the evidence, which often consists of the testimony of the CPS worker, law enforcement, expert witnesses, and any other individuals involved in the case. Relevant documents, such as photographs, police reports, and medical records may also be introduced as evidence. The defendant’s attorney will have a chance to cross-examine the witnesses and call any witness to testify on behalf of his or her client.

If the judge residing over the case concludes that CPS has presented sufficient evidence or abuse or neglect, he or she will issue a judicial determination that justifies the continued involvement of CPS. The problems addressed in the case must be resolved before the child can be returned to his or her home. The judge will determine if CPS has made reasonable efforts to avoid placement or achieve reunification and schedule the disposition hearing that will review the effectiveness of the decisions made during adjudication. If the judge determines that CPS did not present sufficient evidence of abuse or neglect, he or she may decide to dismiss the case and order CPS to no longer be involved with the family unless the family voluntarily participates.

Plea Taking in Child Abuse and Neglect Cases

Instead of battling in court, it is possible to make a plea of admission or of no contest to the original petition or the amended petition. Before accepting your plea, the court will advise you of the following:

• The allegations in the petition are made a part of your file.
• You have the right to legal representation.
• If the court accepts your plea, you will give up the rights to a trial by jury, witnesses testifying on your behalf, cross-examination of witnesses, the petitioner proving the allegations in the petition, and having the court subpoena witnesses you believe could give testimony in your favor.
• Your plea may later be used to terminate your parental rights.

Before deciding on a plea, contact a defense attorney. He or she will review the details of your case and advise you of the best course of action to get you on track to receiving a favorable result.

Our Approach to Adjudication Hearings

We understand that a lot is on the line in your child maltreatment or abuse case. We are committed to aggressively fighting for your family and will do whatever it takes to prove your innocence. We devote ample time and attention to every case that comes across our desks, and will do our best to uncover the truth. If you’re preparing for your Adjudication Hearing or need our help understanding your plea taking, give us a call today. We’re willing to step in at any stage of your case and battle on your behalf.

Contact Us for 24/7 Criminal Defense in Michigan

To get in touch with our team of attorneys contact us online or call 1-800-342-7896. We’re available 24/7 to review the details of your case and advise you of the best course of action in your child mistreatment case.