Annapolis and Baltimore Child Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
In Maryland, an accusation that you abused or neglected your child can result in a visit from Maryland Child Protective Services. To protect your parental rights, you should contact a lawyer immediately.
My name is Jim Crawford. For the past 18 years, I have defended parents in Baltimore, Catonsville, Annapolis, Bel Air and throughout Maryland who have been accused of child abuse or neglect. I offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
Who Reported Me for Child Abuse or Neglect?
Anyone can report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect. Certain people, including doctors, teachers, day care workers and health care professionals, are required to report cases of suspected abuse or neglect. It's not unusual for an ex-spouse to allege child abuse or neglect in an attempt to obtain sole custody of children. Without a court order, case workers will not release the name of the person who made the report in your case. Even an older teenager may unwittingly open a "can of worms:' and make an allegation of abuse based upon an unwanted spanking or discipline issue.
- Child abuse allegations include some of the highest enhanced criminal penalties.
- The Department of Social Services usually plays a part in making a "finding" and or "determination".
- The "Department" may label you an "abuser" under current Maryland Laws. If you receive such a letter indicating abuse from any State agency do not hesitate to cal me to protect your rights.
- Child Abuse charges are also intertwined with child sexual abuse charges depending upon the allegations
- Sometimes it is necessary to hire our own "expert" to counter the Child Services reports.
- The Maryland Sentencing Guidelines consider "abuse" of a child to be an enhancement.
- It is important to understand that when these allegations arise you may have to deal with a criminal prosecution as well as an "abuse charge' from Child Advocacy.
- C.I.N.A actions (child in need of assistance) are riddled with pitfalls.
What Happens Next?
If case workers or a Prosecuting Attorney believe that the allegations are credible, your children can be taken from your home and placed with foster parents or relatives pending a hearing. Child Protective Services can order you to take parenting classes or meet other conditions before your children are returned to you. Child Protective Services can also begin an action to terminate your parental rights. In the worst case scenario the State begins a criminal prosecution.
Here are some fact finding web links:
http://www.dhr.state.md.us/cps/report.php
http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/agencies/police/community/abuse.html
http://www.dhr.maryland.gov/cps/
Contact Me
To protect your rights as a parent, contact me, Maryland child abuse charges attorney Jim Crawford, before you talk to child protection workers or anyone else. I am available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To contact me, call 443-701-4525 or 866-635-0623.
