How to Handle a CPS Officer at Your Door During a DUI Investigation

If you were caught driving under the influence with a child in the car, it is important to hire a defense attorney to protect yourself from criminal charges and a potential CPS investigation. An officer may show up at your front door and begin collecting evidence to build a case against you. Your CPS lawyer can fight on your behalf and prepare you for every stage of your case. If you need help battling criminal charges, call Grabel & Associates today. We care about the wellbeing of you and your family and will do everything in our power to protect you and your reputation.

What to Do If a CPS Worker Shows up at Your Door

The results of your case are somewhat dependent on how you handle yourself during the investigative stage. Follow these 10 tips to put your best face forward and have the best shot at receiving your desired case results.

1. Acknowledge the severity of your situation.
   The sooner you recognize that accusations you are facing are serious, the better your chances will be at earning the best possible outcome. It’s easy to discount charges if you’re innocent, but it is important to remember that police, prosecutors, and caseworkers are assuming the worst. They are looking for facts to build a case against you, so it’s important that you fight back.
2. Remain calm.
   When a CPS agent shows up at your door unannounced, it is easy to get worked up and react in a negative way. This will not help you prove your innocence. The worker in charge of your case is a trained professional and will respond well to calm, respectful behavior.
3. Get all the facts.
   If you are completely caught of guard by a CPS visit, do your best to get as much information as possible. Ask for the caseworker’s name and what accusations have been made. This knowledge will help you proceed in your case.
4. Stand up for your legal rights.
   If an officer asks to come inside your home, remember that you are in no way obligated to let him or her inside. Without a warrant, there are very few circumstances in which an officer can enter without your permission.
5. Keep a detailed record of your interactions with officers.
   Write down every detail you can remember after the CPS officer leaves. These facts will aid your attorney as he or she builds your case. Also remember that you can ask that interviews be recorded. This will protect you from misunderstandings
6. Never use force against an officer or agent.
   If an CPS caseworker attempts to enter your home using force, do not fight back. Leave it up to the judge to determine if his or her behavior was warranted or not.
7. Hire a skilled defense attorney.
   Having a lawyer on your side from day one will ensure you are on the right track to receiving your desired outcome. The Grabel & Associates team has been working on cases involving CPS for over 15 years, so we know what it takes to get you the results you want.
8. Let your lawyer speak on your behalf.
   Your attorney can speak with officers on your behalf, preventing misunderstandings. Your lawyer will serve as a wall, shielding your family from the harm and hurt that may accompany a CPS investigation.
9. Prepare for the worst-case scenario.
   In some situations, CPS officers have the authority to remove your children from your home. Prepare for this by speaking with your children beforehand and setting up a list of trusted family and friends who would be willing to house your children.
10. Hope for the best.
    With the help of a skilled defense attorney, it is possible to prove your innocence and take charge of your life again after accusations of a DUI or child endangerment. Reach out to Grabel & Associates today to learn more about how we can help you.

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To speak with a DUI defense lawyer, contact us online anytime day or night. We will answer any questions you may have and set you up with an experience attorney who will aggressively battle on your behalf.