Chico CPS Lawyer - Child Protective Services

Table of Contents

Chico CPS Attorney

Your family is your top priority. Working with a Child Protective Services (CPS) agent in regards to your child can be intimidating. To fairly represent your family and the environment in which you raise your children, you need a trusted Chico CPS lawyer on your side.

A knowledgeable CPS attorney can review your case and help you resolve matters quickly. Our team at Eric Alan Berg & Associates works closely with you to understand your rights and options while protecting your family’s privacy. We’ll help you navigate the overwhelming CPS investigations to ensure an optimal outcome for your family.

Chico CPS Lawyer

Understanding CPS Investigations in California

CPS is a government organization that aims to protect children from abuse and neglect. Cases generally begin with a report of a child in a concerning situation, such as suspected neglect or abuse. If there is substantial evidence to support this report, a formal CPS case is opened.

The investigation involves interviews with those who interact with the family, including teachers, friends, and neighbors. CPS also meets directly with the children to ask questions and better understand the situation. If the gathered evidence points toward an unsafe situation for the children involved, the process of removing the children from the home begins.

There are many reasons why CPS may investigate your home, such as:

Reports of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse (including human trafficking)
Child neglect, or if basic needs are not being met
Domestic violence among the adults living in the home
Substance use or addiction
Frequent police involvement
An unsafe living environment, such as inadequate shelter
Unmet medical needs
Mentally unfit parents

If CPS suspects any of these situations might be the case for your home based on reported charges, they will begin an investigation. In addition to interviews, CPS will want to examine your home or living conditions, though they are not permitted to enter your home without permission or a warrant.

They will also want to check on the availability of food, clothing, and hygienic items for the child, as well as assess the environment for signs of unhealthy behaviors among the adults living there. These could include drug use, violent tendencies, or excessive alcohol consumption.

In the event that CPS finds sufficient evidence to support the claims, your child may be removed from the home if the parents give consent, if serious danger is evident, or if the CPS agent presents a court order.

A Minor’s Counsel Role in CPS Cases

In Chico, California, cases involving minors include a minor’s counsel, or a court-appointed attorney in charge of representing the minor’s best interests during the legal process. A minor’s counsel advocates for the overall well-being of the child.

The minor’s counsel may support your case or pose an opposition, depending on what they think suits the child. This can present a challenge in your CPS battle, which is why it’s important to work with a Chico CPS lawyer. They will listen to your side of the story and help you gather the proof you need when standing up for your family.

Why You Need a CPS Lawyer

CPS receives millions of reports of child endangerment every year. To this end, not every report is backed by sufficient evidence. In some cases, the charge might not be true at all.

If you believe CPS made an error in your case, let the Chico CPS lawyers at Eric Alan Berg & Associates investigate your case and help you understand your rights throughout the legal process ahead. We know that every case presents unique challenges and situations. With many years of success in the courtroom, we will partner with you in the fight to preserve your family unit.

FAQs

Q: How Do I Sue CPS in California?

A: If you believe CPS violated your rights or made a false accusation against you, you can file a written claim with the California Risk Management Division within six months. If CPS ignores or rejects the claim, you have the opportunity to file a claim after 45 days. You will need sufficient proof that the CPS representative violated your civil rights. A CPS lawyer can help you file this claim and gather the necessary evidence to present your case successfully.

Q: How Much Does a Child Custody Lawyer Cost in California?

A: On average, the cost of hiring a child custody lawyer in California varies based on several factors, such as the lawyer’s overall experience, the complexity of the case, the severity of the allegations, your location, and the services required. Family law attorneys generally charge an hourly rate, though some may charge flat rate fees. It is important to discuss fee structure with your lawyer during the initial consultation.

Q: How Do I Get a CPS Case Dismissed in California?

A: Having a CPS case dismissed can generally happen in one of three ways:

You demonstrate evidence that contradicts CPS allegations, such as school reports, medical records, and proof of psychological care.
You address the main cause of the allegations, including lifestyle changes, counseling, or making necessary adjustments to the home environment.
A judge dismisses the case when CPS cannot present enough evidence against you.

Q: What Is a CPS Lawyer?

A: A CPS lawyer represents parents and caregivers in legal cases that involve Child Protective Services at any phase of the investigation. A Chico CPS lawyer will advocate for your rights, with the mission to work in the children’s best interest and reunify the family if possible. CPS lawyers assist with case plan negotiations, defend against parental rights termination, and advocate for reunification if it is in the best interest of the family.

Contact Eric Alan Berg & Associates. Today

Facing a CPS charge can be both frightening and overwhelming. The experienced attorneys at Eric Alan Berg & Associates can guide you through the process to help you understand your legal rights and options. We can present arguments focused on preserving your family and can challenge unfair accusations or interventions. Contact our team today to find out what you can do to fight for your family.

On May 4, 2018, Attorneys of Eric Alan Berg and Associates successfully suppressed evidence in a DUI case resulting in a complete dismissal. The client had been pulled over on a Friday night leaving the Market Street Steakhouse. A Redding police officer claimed that his tail light was out and initiated a traffic stop. Unbeknownst to the officer, the car had just passed a safety inspection a few weeks before. The defense subpoenaed the inspection records and called the technician who serviced the car to testify to explain that the light was working properly, and called an eye witness who saw that the light was in working condition the morning after the arrest. The client can now return to work without fear of any license restrictions, probation, or punishment.

DUI Dismissal

A man in his 60’s was charged with molesting and sodomizing five boys in a 35 year period. The sheriffs detective knew at least one of the boys had recanted but he hid the tape recording wherein the boy said it never happened. The district attorney had to search the sheriff’s computer himself to find the tape showing the man’s innocence and showing that the boy said he was innocent.

False accusation of multiple molestation

We represented an old man who was accused of sexually molesting his girl friend’s daughter. The prosecutor claimed that he confessed on tape. The defense showed that it was no confession. Many of the jurors found the defendant not guilty. The defendant eventually avoided state prison and was freed.

False accusation of molestation of girl friends daughter

Our client was a probation officer and was charged with sexually molesting his neighbor and his adopted foster daughter. The defense showed that his daughter had a long history of falsely accusing people of serious crimes. The defense also presented the daughters long history of mental illness. The defense also showed that the police lost a crucial recorded statement of another complaining witness. Many jurors found the accused innocent of the charges and the court dismissed the charges after the first trial.

False accusation of adopted child molestation

Our client was charged with sexually molesting his adopted step-daughter. The district attorney claimed that he had a confession on tape. The defense showed that it was not a confession but a set up. Many jurors found the defendant not guilty and the court dismissed all of the charges. In that case, the accuser originally accused our client of molesting her for many months. The district attorney tried to change the story when we proved that he wasn’t even in town when these crimes supposedly occurred.

False accusation of molestation of step daughter

We defended two Hells Angels accused of rape. At the trial we proved that the accuser exchanged her phone number with one of the other old bikers at the clubhouse, a few minutes after the alleged rape. Through our investigation, we learned that the accuser, a young woman in her early twentys had borrowed her father’s car for the night. She returned it late, making him late for work in the morning. She needed a good excuse. The excuse she used was that she had been raped by two Hells Angels.

False accusation of rape

An old man in his 70’s was charged with threatening 2 sheriff deputies with his Chinese assault rifle . This man was a famous newspaper editor and publisher in the county. He was a regular critic of the Sheriff. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. On Christmas Eve, he and his wife had been burning rat’s nests on his property in Hayfork. As the fire got out of control and spread prisoners from the local fire camp were called to put it out. They were up all night making noise and causing his dog to bark which kept him and his wife and his dog awake on Christmas eve. He went down to the prisoners and told them to be quiet and then went back home.

False accusation of threatening of Sheriff Police.

Recently, a client of ours was facing multiple charges including possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, which is a prison eligible felony. Additionally, the DA in the case was looking to add more prison eligible felonies such as bringing a controlled substance into a jail. Eric Alan Berg & Associates was able to negotiate an agreement with the DA where our client plead to only two misdemeanor charges of possession of a firearm and controlled substance.

Securing Misdemeanor Deal when Client charged with Strikes

Recently we had a client who was arrested for possession of drugs and child abuse. Attorney Eric Berg was able to convince the DA to file only the drug possession charge and not the child abuse charge. Further, if our client continues with their treatment plan the entire case will be dismissed in six months without ever requiring our client to plead guilty or no-contest. If you or someone you know is facing legal troubles give our offices a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Facilitating Substance Abuse Treatment and avoiding a Criminal Record

Recently a client retained us who was stopped for a traffic violation while they were transporting a couple of pounds of marijuana, which was discovered by law enforcement during the stop. Our offices were able to get all their charges and case dismissed in court. If you or someone you know has been arrested for similar crimes, give our offices a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Marijuana Transportation Case Dismissed

Before retaining us, our client had a number of pending cases, and some matters being investigated by law enforcement. They took a plea bargain in which they plead guilty to three of their pending cases, with the understanding that the rest of their pending cases would be dismissed and any un-filed cases would not be filed. Shortly after entering this agreement, the DA’s office filed charges related to an investigation that began before they entered the agreement. We successfully argued that the DA’s office breached the plea agreement, and had the plea agreement enforced – meaning the new case was dismissed. If you or someone you know is in need of an attorney, give us a call today at (530) 223-5100 to set up a free consultation!

Chico CPS Lawyer – Child Protective Services