How to Handle a CPS Officer at Your Door in Michigan

CPS agents receive a lot of anonymous tips and are required to pursue every lead as if it is true. If a CPS officer shows up at your door, he or she will be assuming that you are guilty and handle the situation as such. This means that you should take the accusation seriously as well. As soon as you learn that you are under investigation, contact a skilled attorney who knows CPS cases. He or she will guide you through every step of the process, putting you on track to receive a favorable outcome. The team at Grabel & Associates has ample experience handling cases involving CPS, and knows what it takes to successful. The sooner you reach out to our talented law firm, the easier the entire process will be. If a CPS officer shows up at your door before you have a chance to speak with your attorney, keep these 10 tips in mind.

1. Collect the information of the CPS officer. If a CPS officer shows up at your front door, ask for his or her business card. If you get the social worker’s information, your attorney can contact him or her directly, simplifying the process for you. Don’t answer any questions before contacting your lawyer, especially if the social worker is hostile to you.

2. Ask for details about the claims made against you. You deserve to know what allegations were made. Oftentimes, CPS officers will try to withhold information and provide you with general categories, such as “abuse” or “neglect.” If you ask for specific details, they are required to fill you in. This information will help your attorney build a solid defense.

3. Don’t let the social worker into your home without a warrant. A CPS officer may try to convince you to let him or her into your home. It’s important to remember that you are in no way obligated to let the social worker enter unless he or she has a warrant. Even if you know you are completely innocent, it’s best to keep the CPS agent at a distance.

4. Don’t let the social worker speak to your children alone without a court order. If a CPS agent has a court order and needs to speak with your child or children alone, make sure that the conversation is recorded so you can review it later with your attorney. Having the information documented will help protect you and your family from over-sensitive CPS agents that may attempt to twist your child’s words.

5. If you know a social worker is coming to your home, record the conversation. It is not illegal to conceal a camera and record your interaction with a CPS officer. This information may be valuable later on in your case. Depending on the details of the interaction, your attorney may be able to use the footage to build your defense.

6. Say as little as possible. You have the right to remain silent. If a CPS officer is at your door, saying as little as possible is almost always in your best interest. Parents often make the mistake of trying to explain away the allegations, and justifiably so. The problem with this approach, however, is that CPS officers may twist your words and use the information you provide as a way of demonstrating your guilt. The less you say, the better.

7. Compile a list of trusted friends and family. You lawyer may want to contact character witnesses to weigh in on certain topics, such as your dedication to your children or your parenting ability. This list of family and friends is also helpful if your children are temporarily removed from your home. Most times, CPS will let them stay with someone you trust, which is much better than an unknown foster family.

8. Be polite to CPS officers. Any hostility or agitation may be interpreted as guilt. Always be polite and professional when dealing with CPS officers. Don’t let your anger or fear dictate your interactions with them.

9. Never admit guilt. Getting you to admit that you are guilty is the CPS officer’s top priority. If you admit to any portion of the claims raised against you, CPS officers will most likely attempt to remove the child from your home. Be sure to consult with an attorney before sharing your side of the story.

10. Contact a skilled CPS defense attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you connect with a knowledgeable attorney, the better off you will be. Your lawyer will stand by your side every step of the way and protect you from overzealous CPS officers that want to take your children. The Grabel & Associates team is committed to you and your family’s wellbeing, and is willing to step in at any stage of your case. Give us a call today for 24/7 defense in Michigan.

Contact Grabel & Associates for Help Handling Your Case Involving CPS

If you need help fighting back against wrongful allegations, call 1-800-342-7896 or contact us online. A member of our team is available 24/7 to provide you with a free initial case consultation and get you on track to receive a favorable outcome.