Police take allegations of domestic violence seriously, especially when children are present. When domestic incidents lead to an arrest, it can have major consequences for you and your family—especially if you are already under investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF).
Arrests during a Greenwich DCF investigation can make a difficult situation even worse. Fortunately, Mark Sherman Law can help you navigate the legal system during this challenging time. Instead of facing these issues alone, consider relying on the support of a dedicated attorney.
DCF agents are not law enforcement officers, and they do not have the power to arrest you. However, they typically work closely with police in cases where they suspect abuse or neglect.
Crucially, you should not expect any information you provide to DCF to be confidential. DCF investigators can provide any statements you make about the alleged incident or arrest to Greenwich police and prosecutors for them to use as evidence.
That is why it is important to exercise your right to talk to an attorney before ever speaking with DCF agents. The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better your chances of a favorable outcome.
Even if DCF is not actively investigating a Greenwich resident when an arrest takes place, the arrest could still impact future DCF investigations. In many situations, the officers who respond to a domestic violence call will notify DCF if children were present. Officers can report incidents to DCF regardless of whether the juveniles were the alleged victims or merely present at the time of the incident.
Agents who respond to the scene of an arrest will typically evaluate the situation to determine if the children are in immediate danger. When possible, they will leave juveniles with another parent or guardian. However, agents also have the power to temporarily remove children from the home if they deem it necessary.
In cases where they determine that there is an immediate risk of harm to a child, investigators can place a child in foster care for up to 96 hours without a court order. A judge can later rule to keep the child in foster care for an extended period, or even indefinitely if they decide the child cannot safely return home.
You have rights even when the courts remove a child from your care, but it is essential to seek legal help right away. Our team can help you manage your criminal charges and can negotiate with DCF on your behalf.
The investigation process can feel overwhelming, especially after the stress of an arrest. DCF agents have broad authority to investigate allegations of child abuse. After your release from jail, they are free to contact you directly and can gather testimony from other parties, such as friends or neighbors.
In some cases, DCF investigators may ask Greenwich residents to sign a waiver following an arrest. These documents can give them even more power, including access to your child’s physician or medical records. It is essential to know that you have the right to refuse to sign these releases and have no obligation to cooperate in any way. However, refusing to cooperate can make it more difficult to negotiate with authorities after being charged with a crime. Our attorneys can help you understand your options and determine the right path forward.
Arrests during a Greenwich DCF investigation can complicate the most personal and difficult domestic situations, but they do not have to lead to a bad outcome. You have the right to fight back in your criminal case, and the same is true when dealing with DCF.
At Mark Sherman Law, we understand how to deal directly with these investigators. We have extensive experience handling these cases, with more than 300 verified reviews attesting to our success. Reach out today to discuss how we can protect your rights following an arrest.
