Houston Criminal Defense Attorney

Representing Clients Being Investigated by CPS

When you are being investigated for child sexual abuse or molestation of a child, contacting an attorney early can be critical to your success. The Law Offices of Dyer & Libby is one of Houston's leading criminal defense law firms. We have more than 40 years of experience to lead my legal team in providing strong and effective representation for people facing investigation by Child Protective Services.

What is Child Protective Services?

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a Texas government program that receives and investigates reports of child abuse and neglect by parents, family members, school teachers or administrators, doctors or other individuals. CPS has a great deal of power to act on abuse allegations. People being investigated by CPS should act quickly to protect their rights.

Texas state law requires that people who believe a child has been abused or neglected make a report to CPS, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) or to the police. The law also requires that CPS investigate the report. This investigation may include a variety of actions by a caseworker:

• Recorded (audiotaped or videotaped) interview with the child
• Visual examination of the child
• Criminal history check of the alleged abuser
• Interviews and examinations of all other children in the home
• Interviews with the alleged abuser and any others who may have information
• Review of mental health records

The consequences of a negative report by your CPS caseworker can be devastating. If, in CPS's opinion, abuse or neglect is found, they will contact law enforcement. The law enforcement agency then determines whether a crime occurred and whether to conduct a criminal investigation. They can bring charges against you and have you arrested for child abuse. Your child or children may also be taken away from you and placed in foster care.

How can a Houston criminal lawyer help?

You have the right to consult with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at any point during a CPS investigation, although it is always best to contact a lawyer as early as possible. Your lawyer can help by protecting your rights - making sure that the investigation does not overstep the bounds of the law, and that it is not biased or inaccurate in any way.