What to Do if You Are Being Investigated by Howard County CPS

It is the job of Child Protective Services (CPS) to ensure that a child’s home life is secure, safe, and stable. CPS investigations are done to see if somebody is abusing, mistreating, malnourishing, or otherwise neglecting the child in that home. It can be frustrating to deal with a CPS investigation, but it’s imperative that you follow their directives and be civil. It’s vital to know what to do if you are being investigated by Howard County CPS.

Throughout a CPS investigation, it’s crucial to retain the services of an experienced Howard County CPS attorney, as you want to cover all your bases in the event that CPS does find irregularities in their investigation into your home life. You want someone by your side who has experience handling child sexual abuse cases, as well as extensive knowledge of Maryland’s child sexual abuse laws. Our firm can help you put a case together and defend yourself.

Hire a Child Sexual Abuse Lawyer

Dealing with an ongoing CPS investigation can be a lot to handle on your own, which is why it may be a good idea to hire a child sexual abuse lawyer. CPS must prioritize the welfare of the child being investigated, and that could involve accusations that you may feel are insulting. A good lawyer’s help can prove to be helpful in keeping you grounded and preventing you from making mistakes. Todd K. Mohink has spent decades helping people in criminal defense situations and can assist you, too.

Unfortunately, children are mistreated in their homes all the time. It’s not rare in Maryland. According to recent statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau, there were over 6,000 children throughout the state of Maryland who were recorded as maltreatment victims in 2023 alone. Those statistics may reinforce CPS’s efforts to ensure the children they are investigating are being properly cared for. If you are being investigated, you should contact a lawyer for help.

It can be difficult to endure a CPS investigation on your own. Even if you have nothing to hide and are being unfairly investigated, the whole ordeal can seriously affect your own mental health. To take care of yourself, you may want to reach out to a local support group, such as NAMI Howard County or a Parenting Support Group. It may be good for you to have a place to talk about everything you’re going through and what you can do to make things better for yourself.

What to Do if You Are Being Investigated by Howard County CPS

In the event that you are being investigated by Howard County CPS, there are certain actions you should take to make the whole ordeal go smoothly. If things don’t work out well and you end up arrested for child endangerment or other crimes, never forget that you are always afforded your constitutional rights, particularly your right to legal counsel and your right to remain silent. Here are some steps you can take during a CPS investigation to help navigate the process more easily:

• Hire a lawyer: The first thing you need to do is hire a lawyer. Make sure you retain someone who is experienced in handling CPS investigations. A good lawyer’s help can prove to be the difference between success and failure in cases like this. They can prevent you from making costly mistakes or missing any filing deadlines if CPS needs you to file any paperwork.
• Never speak to the caseworker alone: The CPS caseworker assigned to your case may want to interview you to discuss the situation. Always have your lawyer present during the interview, even if the caseworker insists that your lawyer’s presence isn’t necessary.
• Be careful what you say: Choose your words very carefully when being interviewed by CPS. They can use anything you say as evidence in their investigation. Keep a cool head, let your lawyer handle the communication, and fully cooperate with the investigation.

FAQs About What to Do if You Are Being Investigated by Howard County CPS

How Do You Deal with False CPS Allegations?

There are many ways to deal with false CPS allegations, but the most effective way is to document everything. Contact your lawyer immediately and gather as much evidence as you can find that proves your version of events. Request a copy of the alleged allegations from CPS, document your daily parenting routine, gather character witnesses, and work on a solid strategy with your lawyer. False allegations are common, and the truth is an absolute defense.

What Evidence Does CPS Need to Investigate?

To investigate your home, CPS needs to have evidence that suggests children are being abused or neglected in the home. This evidence can include witness statements, the child’s statements, medical records, and direct observations by the CPS caseworker. You should contact a lawyer immediately if CPS has begun an investigation into your home. Gather evidence of your own that shows a loving, supportive home life.

How Long Does CPS Have to Investigate in Maryland?

In Maryland, CPS investigations generally start within 24 hours if the allegations are serious. The investigation itself is intended to be completed within 60 days at the latest, though the initial goal is 10 days for most investigations. The more complicated the case, the longer it can take to investigate and finalize. You should contact a lawyer to stand by you and provide legal assistance during the investigation.

What Shouldn’t I Say to CPS?

There are many things you should never say to CPS, as they could seriously impede your case. Above all, don’t lie to them. Be civil and honest, but be careful with the information you provide. Anything you say to them during their investigation can be used as evidence. You don’t have to answer any questions that are unrelated to the allegations, and you can have a lawyer present during all interactions.

Contact a Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, PA, we can help you handle a CPS investigation and provide legal support throughout the case. Contact us to speak with someone on our team who can stand by you through this ordeal and provide the right legal help.