Are You Being Investigated by CPS, DSS or the Police?

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Are You Being Investigated by CPS, DSS or the Police?

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March 6, 2023

If you have been notified that you are being investigated by the police, the Department of Social Services (DSS), or Child Protective Services (CPS) in Maryland, it is important to obtain the services of a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The earlier you hire an attorney, the more they can do to protect your rights, build a strong defense, and potentially prevent charges from being filed against you. Here are a few reasons why it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney in Maryland as soon as you are notified that you are being investigated.

Protecting Your Rights

When you are being investigated by the police, the Department of Social Services, or CPS, it is important to remember that you have rights. These include the right to remain silent, the right to an attorney, and the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures. Unfortunately, law enforcement agencies and social services agencies are often focused on obtaining information and evidence that can be used against you. They may tell you that if you don’t speak to them, you may lose your children.

Unfortunately, if you do speak to them, you are not likely to change what they do; if they have enough information to take your child, they are probably going to do so, regardless of what you say. Having a criminal defense attorney at this early stage can protect your rights by advising you on what to say and what not to say to investigators, ensuring that your constitutional rights are respected, and advocating for you throughout the investigation.

Building a Strong Defense

When you hire a criminal defense attorney early in the investigation process, they have more time to build a strong defense on your behalf. Your attorney can investigate the evidence against you, interview witnesses, and gather evidence that can help to exonerate you or weaken the prosecution's case. They can also work to identify any legal issues that could lead to the suppression of evidence or the dismissal of charges.

Preventing Charges from Being Filed

In some cases, a criminal defense attorney can work to prevent charges from being filed against you. If your attorney is able to intervene early in the investigation process, they may be able to convince CPS, DSS, and/or the police that there is not enough evidence to file charges or that charges would not be in the best interest of justice. This can help to spare you the expense, stress, and stigma of a criminal trial.

Negotiating a Plea Deal

If charges are filed against you, your criminal defense attorney can work to negotiate a plea deal on your behalf. A plea deal is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution that typically involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a lighter sentence in exchange for cooperating with the prosecution or pleading guilty. Negotiating a plea deal can help to avoid the uncertainty of a trial and may, in some cases, result in a more favorable outcome for you.

Investigated-By-CPSRepresenting You in Court

If your case goes to trial, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney who can represent you in court. Your attorney can present your case to a judge or jury, cross-examine witnesses, and argue on your behalf. They can also appeal the decision if necessary. A skilled criminal defense attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.

Child Protective Services Investigations

If you are being investigated by CPS in Maryland, it is important to understand that the agency has the power to remove your children from your home if they believe that your children are in danger. If you are facing a CPS investigation, it is especially important to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible; what you say to CPS is certain to be shared with the police and may be used against you later.

For over 30 years, our lawyers at Craig M. Kadish & Associates have been assisting people in cases involving CPS and police investigations and we can help you.  Please call to schedule a complimentary in-office consultation.

Craig M. Kadish - Criminal Defense Attorney Maryland

Craig Kadish

With 30 years of experience and a lengthy track record of success, Craig Kadish has earned a reputation as one of the nation’s most highly sought after criminal defense attorneys. Mr. Kadish has practiced criminal law for three decades, winning an array of high-profile cases. He has had the honor of being recognized both locally and nationally for his dedication, diligence, and prowess in representing clients in exacting and innovate ways. He’s known as a leader in his field. His tenure as a criminal defense attorney and law professor has given him invaluable expertise that few other attorneys possess.

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