Agents working for the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) must scrutinize accusations of child abuse or neglect immediately. These investigations can take as long as 45 days. In the end, agents must either substantiate an allegation or dismiss it due to lack of evidence.
In some situations, the government can seek short-term court orders limiting your ability to contact family members during an investigation. If you are facing protective orders and DCF investigations in Greenwich, Mark Sherman Law is here to help. Let our dedicated attorneys help you navigate the legal system and get the fair outcome you deserve.
Many investigations run their course without requiring court intervention. Unfortunately, there are times when DCF agents will seek more invasive measures. This may include either civil or criminal protective orders.
A court may issue a criminal protective order following a domestic violence arrest. Alternatively, a judge may issue a civil restraining order at the request of a family member who feels that they are at risk of harm. Regardless of the type of protective order, the courts will generally limit your ability to contact, approach, or harass a protected person. This could even temporarily prevent you from returning to your home.
If you are facing a restraining order while also dealing with DCF investigators, it is vital that you speak to an attorney in Greenwich today. Our team can help you understand your rights and legal options.
It is not uncommon for protective orders to arise out of a Greenwich DCF investigation. Any time police respond to a domestic violence call where children are present, they are required to notify DCF agents. Often, these agents will arrive at the scene of the incident right away. Their purpose is to determine whether the children are in any immediate danger.
Even if the situation does not call for the immediate emergency removal of the children from the home, DCF investigators may later determine that it would be appropriate for the court to consider a protective order.
Protective orders can also complicate ongoing investigations. If one of the alleged victims in a case goes to court to apply for a protective order, it can immediately change the way Greenwich DCF investigates. For example, it could impact an investigator’s ability to speak with multiple parties simultaneously if these parties must not be in contact with each other.
These orders can also provide DCF with an additional reason to believe that a neglect petition is a necessary step. Agents may also pressure the parents involved in these cases to submit to a safety plan or some other kind of measure designed to protect the children.
These measures can last for months or even years. If you believe you are being treated unfairly, let our team of attorneys review your situation and advise you on how we can help.
If you are under investigation by DCF and have questions about how a protective order might impact your rights, you can benefit from discussing your options with the Law Offices of Mark Sherman. Our team has spent years fighting on behalf of families, and we have more than 300 verified reviews to demonstrate our commitment. If you are ready to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a confidential consultation. With our help, you can prevent protective orders and DCF investigations in Greenwich from disrupting your life.
