Dispositional Hearings for CPS Investigation in Michigan OWI Cases

CPS isn’t the final word on child abuse and neglect cases. If they remove your child from your home, a preliminary hearing will take place within 72 hours. During this hearing, your attorney will ask CPS questions about the evidence they have and solidify their story. This information is invaluable as your attorney works to prepare for your plea hearing and adjudicatory hearing.

After the preliminary hearing, a plea hearing will take place. You will enter your plea to the allegations brought by CPS. At the hearing, your CPS attorney can also ask questions about the petition and bring up any items you do not agree with. Next is the adjudicatory hearing. During this hearing, you will appear before a judge and present evidence and your testimony. The judge will determine whether or not CPS has enough evidence to warrant the allegations in the petition. If the judge agrees with CPS, your case will proceed to a review and dispositional hearing. If the judge does not agree, your case will be dismissed.

If you pled no contest or the court upheld the petition, the review and dispositional hearing is very important. CPS will put together a plan of action for you and your family and you’ll have a chance to review it before agreeing to comply before a judge. During the review and dispositional hearing, you can ask clarifying questions or even dispute the plan. Once a plan is agreed upon, you must follow all actions outlined if you want to get your child back. Your case will be reviewed after six months has passed. The judge will look to see if you’ve followed the plan and if you have made progress. If so, your child will be placed under your care once again.

Stages of a CPS Investigation in Michigan

When CPS receives word that a child was harmed to endangered in any way, they will begin looking into the case within 24 hours. An investigation will include a home visit, an interview with the accused, an interview with the child, a review of case documents, an examination by a trusted doctor, and a final assessment of the family’s strengths and weaknesses. If at any point during the investigation, the CPS worker feels your child is not safe in your home, he or she may be removed. Your attorney will be prepared for this, and work with you beforehand to put a list of family members and friends together who would be willing to temporarily house your child. Preparing for the worst-case scenario shields your child from the trauma of being placed with strangers.

Ample Experience Defending Clients with OWI and CPS Hearings

The Grabel & Associates team has ample experience defending clients in drunk driving cases. We provide a holistic approach to criminal defense. This means we’ll keep your future in mind throughout the entire process. If you’re a parent or legal guardian, we’ll proactively fight to protect your parental rights. If your children were in the car when you were pulled over, CPS may choose to look into your case. Your attorney will be ready and prepare you so you have a fair shot at receiving a just outcome. Contact Grabel & Associates as soon as you suspect you are under investigation. The more time your lawyer has to prepare, the stronger your defense will be.

Operating while intoxicated in Michigan is a serious criminal offense. The state of Michigan has some of the nation’s strictest drunk driving laws, so if you have been wrongfully accused, it’s crucial to contact a skilled defense attorney as soon as possible. Your attorney will conduct a thorough investigation to ensure police followed protocol and collected evidence lawfully. When you work with a skilled defense lawyer, you can rest assured knowing your legal rights will be upheld.

Our Approach to CPS Case Hearings in Michigan

At Grabel & Associates, we understand the damage false accusations can have on a family. We’ll look into the details of your case and develop an aggressive approach to your defense. Protecting you and your family is our top priority. We’ll keep your future in mind throughout every stage of your case, putting you on track to receive the best available results. A skilled case analyst is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your information.