It can be a jarring experience to have an investigator from the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) arrive at your house unannounced. Most people are unexpectedly made aware that they are the target of a child abuse investigation, and many fail to fully consider their legal rights before cooperating with the authorities.
These investigations are serious, and the outcome can have a lasting effect on you and your family. Before talking to DCF investigators in Brookfield, it is a good idea to speak to legal counsel. You have the right to consult with a dedicated defense attorney, and failing to do so can negatively impact your case. Contact an attorney from Mark Sherman Law to help you better understand your rights.
Everyone involved in a DCF investigation has rights, but it is up to you to enforce them. These rights include the right to refuse cooperation with state authorities entirely. DCF agents cannot place you under oath or subpoena your children’s medical records. Parents are never required to speak with Brookfield DCF investigators, no matter how serious the allegations are.
Of course, refusing to cooperate will not stop an investigation. If the state believes that a child is in danger, it will take immediate action, regardless of whether the parents agree to answer questions. Refusing to speak with DCF investigators can also increase the odds of the allegations being substantiated. It may also increase the odds of a DCF investigator seeking court intervention.
For that reason, sometimes it is best to talk with the agents. However, you should always consult with an attorney first, as there can be criminal consequences to consider.
You also have the right to talk to an attorney and have an attorney present throughout this process. Even if DCF investigators come to your home, you are legally entitled to postpone speaking about the incident until you have time to hire legal counsel.
Finally, if you are under investigation by the DCF, you have the right to know why. The state must provide details regarding the allegations of abuse or neglect, although that does not include information on who made the report.
Speaking with Brookfield DCF investigators is sometimes the best option available, but it is still important to approach the situation with care. First, it is vital to always tell the truth during the interview. Lying can have serious consequences and increase the risk of having allegations substantiated.
However, it is critical to avoid volunteering information when it is not necessary. The more a person says, the more ways there are for investigators to take their words out of context. One benefit of working with an attorney is getting guidance on how to limit any potentially damaging testimony.
Addressing DCF agents in Brookfield can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, this process cannot last very long. This is because there is a limit on how much time an investigation can take before a final decision is made.
While this time limit can prevent you from having to deal with DCF agents for several months, it can also force investigators to reach a premature conclusion if they fail to get all of the information they need.
If you are under investigation for abuse or neglect and are talking to DCF investigators in Brookfield, it can benefit you to seek counsel from an experienced attorney. Your best option will be to maintain a careful balance between cooperating and not volunteering additional information.
Instead of going through the process alone, contact an attorney today to learn more about your legal options. Call Mark Sherman Law to set up a meeting, and read some of the 300+ certified reviews from satisfied clients on our Avvo.com profile by clicking here.
