False Allegation by Child or Reporter

Child abuse claims are taken very seriously in the state of Michigan. If you or someone you love as been wrongfully accused of giving a false report of abuse or neglect, you’ll need to secure the services of an experienced CPS lawyer as soon as possible. If you are the subject of an investigation that you believe is the result of a false report, you may also wish to consult an attorney to find out how it could influence your case.

When a report is made to CPS, an officer will start investigating and may visit the home of the accused. The investigation process can be traumatizing to the family, especially the child. Since there is so much at stake in cases involving children under the age of 18, there are serious punishments for those who give a false report of abuse or neglect. You’ll need a lawyer to help you prove that you called in a report in good faith. If you’re a mandated reporter, your attorney will also work to uphold your legal right to confidentiality and protection.

For more information about how the team at Grabel & Associates can help you prove that you had adequate reason to report child abuse, give us a call via our toll-free hotline. A seasoned case analyst is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to connect with you.

What Happens in a Child Abuse Investigation?

Contacting CPS with a report of abuse or neglect is serious. The officers on staff approach every claim as if it were true and assume that the accused is guilty until proven innocent. A lot goes into an investigation, and knowingly filing a false report can harm the child and damage family relationships. When you call a suspicion into CPS, the investigation will be undertaken immediately if the child’s health or safety is in immediate danger. If there is no immediate danger, investigations will begin within five working days of receiving the report and will be completed within 30 days.

The investigation itself will consist of interviewing the child, parents, siblings, teachers, family doctor, and anyone else who may have information that is relevant in the case. The child will be examined by a medical doctor to evaluate injuries and ensure they are properly treated. If the accused abuser lives in the home, he or she may be asked to leave the home during the course of the investigation. Especially if it is a case involving sexual abuse, the police will also speak with the accused. After the investigation is complete, CPS will determine if the child is being abused or not.

Since undergoing the extensive investigation process can be scarring for a child, anyone that knowingly files an inaccurate report can be punished by law. If CPS suspects that you lied in your report, you’ll need the help of a skilled attorney to show that you were acting with the best interest of the child in mind.

Immunity for Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

The government does not want to prevent individuals from reporting suspicion of abuse for fear of being punished for an inaccurate claim. There is immunity for anyone that reports child abuse in “good faith.” This means that if you have reason to believe that a child is being abused or neglected and call it in to CPS, you cannot be punished legally. This immunity is limited, however. If someone can prove that you made a report in “bad faith,” or lied knowingly, you may be denied immunity.

Defense for Cases Involving False CPS Allegations

If you or a loved one has been accused of knowingly calling in a false report of child abuse, contacting a lawyer is the first step in clearing your name. The attorneys and staff at Grabel & Associates know what it takes to be successful in cases involving CPS. When you connect with a member of our talented team, you can rest assured knowing that your lawyer has your best interests in mind. He or she will do everything possible to prove that your report was filed in good faith, with the wellbeing of the child in mind. For more information about how we can help you prove your innocence, give us a call. We are available 24/7 to start building you a winning defense.

Contact Us 24/7/365

When your future is on the line, you want Michigan’s bright legal minds fighting on your behalf. Getting in touch with our team of defense attorneys is easy. Simple dial 1-800-342-7896 to fill out our online contact form. A seasoned case analyst will review every detail of your case and advise you of the best course of action.