During the course of an CPS or ACS investigation, the investigator for the agency may ask you to attend a conference regarding the investigation. To start with, you should not go to any of these conferences unless you are represented by an attorney. By having an attorney present, the attorney can advise you of your rights and the exposure you may have at these conferences to losing the custody of your children. At these conferences CPS or ACS may want to discuss the investigation against you. They will not give you Miranda warnings. They will not advise you that anything you say can be used against you in a court of law. However, anything you say that they feel does not meet some unspoken standard, will be be used against you.
Not Attending CPS or ACS Conferences
In certain circumstances a CPS or ACS defense lawyer will advise you it is not in your interest to attend a conference. They will advise you it is not in your interest to answer any questions. In certain circumstances answering virtually any question will only create further problems for you.
Before CPS or ACS Conferences
Before meeting with ACS or CPS workers you should consult with an attorney who handles CPS ad ACS defense work. They should prepare you for a conference. If the CPS or ACS worker shows up at your house at 12 midnight, tell them you are not going to talk to them at that time. If they make threats against you, ignore them. They are not going to do anything at midnight. CPS and ACS workers will use any type of intimidation tactics to get into your home, which they are not entitled to do. Be strong. Take their information down and tell them your attorney will call back and schedule an appointment for a meeting.
The law office of Schlissel DeCorpo LLP are parents’ advocates and defenders of CPS and ACS investigations can be reached at 516-561-6645, 718-350-2802, 631-319-8262, or 914-998-0082 or by e-mail at info@sdnylaw.com.
