It is natural to be upset or shocked when investigators from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) knock on your door. The outcome of these investigations can impact your parental rights and even potentially lead to criminal charges. It is vital to understand your options for defending yourself.
You do not have to face this situation alone. Our compassionate attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark Sherman can advise you of your rights during a Brookfield DCF investigation.
One of the first—and most important—rights related to DCF investigations in Brookfield is access to legal counsel. Most people are never warned that they are the target of a DCF investigation until state agents arrive at their home, unannounced. This unexpected visit from DCF can be confusing for parents, who may feel that they must immediately comply with this serious situation and agree to DCF’s request to enter their home and question their family without speaking to an attorney.
What many parents do not realize is that they have the right to ask for time to talk to a lawyer. They have the right to tell a DCF investigator to return at a later time in order to allow parents to consult with a lawyer. The short delay that can occur until they find a suitable lawyer will not affect them negatively in the DCF investigations. No one should have to face such steep consequences without the opportunity to talk to a lawyer first.
You are not under any obligation to cooperate with a DCF investigation. While DCF agents may imply it is mandatory, the reality is that you can refuse to answer questions or grant them access to your children’s medical records. These cases are not handled in a court of law, and DCF cannot subpoena documents or compel someone to talk.
While this right is absolute, it is important to note that cooperating can be the best option. When parents refuse to comply, it can drastically limit the information available to the investigators. If the only information the state has to depend on is the original allegations and the parents’ refusal to cooperate, they can feel compelled to substantiate the accusations instead of dismissing the case.
Determining how best to respond can be difficult, and it varies from one scenario to another. While cooperating can be helpful, remaining silent can be the best option in case of potential criminal charges. Therefore, if you are involved in a DCF investigation, it is better to contact an attorney in Brookfield to help you understand your rights.
One of the fundamental rights in a Brookfield DCF investigation is access to information. If you are under investigation by state agents, you are entitled to an explanation of the allegations you are facing. Investigators must provide these details in other languages if the subject does not understand English.
While you have the right to know the nature of the allegations and why DCF believes they may be valid, you will not be told who made the allegations. Many of these cases come from anonymous sources close to the family. Others come from calls made by mandated reporters, such as teachers or doctors.
If you have been accused of neglecting or abusing a child, the outcome of the investigation can dramatically impact your life. It is crucial that you understand your rights during a Brookfield DCF investigation.
Having an attorney by your side gives you more than just an advocate. We can answer your questions and ensure the protection of your rights. Call Mark Sherman Law today to set up a meeting, and you can read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied past clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
