From first contact to final hearing — defense at every stage of a CPS case.
Comprehensive legal defense at every stage of a CPS investigation and juvenile dependency case.
Understanding the
threat you face
A CPS investigation is not a neutral fact-finding mission. The system moves with a presumption that something went wrong in your home. Social workers have broad authority to interview your children, inspect your home, and build a case — often before you even know what you are accused of. Having an attorney early is not optional. It is essential.
Your rights during a CPS investigation
CPS has authority, but you have constitutional protections. Knowing your rights is the first line of defense.
Right to an Attorney
You have the right to legal representation at every stage of a dependency proceeding. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint one — but hiring your own gives you control over your defense strategy.
Right to Refuse Entry
Under the Fourth Amendment, you are generally not required to allow CPS into your home without a court order or warrant. There are exceptions for emergency situations, but in most cases, you can ask them to return with a court order.
Right to Remain Silent
You are not required to answer questions from social workers without your attorney present. Anything you say can be documented and used in court. Be polite but firm: “I want to cooperate, but I need to speak with my attorney first.”
Right to Know the Allegations
You have the right to be informed of the specific allegations against you. The county must file a petition that details the claims. You are entitled to review this petition and all evidence before any hearing.
Right to Present Evidence
You can present your own witnesses, submit evidence, and cross-examine the county’s witnesses. This includes challenging social worker reports, disputing hearsay, and introducing character references or expert testimony.
Right to Appeal
If you believe the court made an error, you can file a writ or appeal. Strict timelines apply — often as short as 7 days for extraordinary writs. Having an attorney who catches errors in real time is critical.
Why early representation
changes everything
Most families make their biggest mistakes in the first 48 to 72 hours of a CPS investigation — before they even realize how serious the situation is. Statements made to social workers, agreements to drug tests or home inspections, and decisions about where children are placed all happen in this critical window.
Once a petition is filed, the legal clock starts running. Deadlines for hearings, case plan compliance, and reunification timelines are set by statute. Missing any of these can permanently affect your parental rights.
An attorney involved from day one can advise on what to say and what not to say, attend TDM (Team Decision Making) meetings, negotiate with the social worker before a petition is filed, and prepare for the detention hearing — often the most important hearing in the entire case.
Get Help Early
Our services
CPS Investigation Defense
Before you speak to a social worker, before you sign anything — you need counsel. We advise on constitutional rights, prepare clients for interviews, attend TDM meetings, and ensure CPS follows proper procedures.
Detention Hearings
If your child has been removed, a hearing must occur within 48 hours. We prepare urgent motions, challenge the necessity of removal, and argue for immediate reunification or placement with relatives.
Jurisdictional & Dispositional Hearings
We challenge evidence, cross-examine social workers, present counter-evidence, and fight for case plans that are fair, specific, and achievable within legal timeframes.
Family Reunification
You typically have 6 to 18 months to complete your case plan. We monitor progress, ensure services are provided, and advocate at every review hearing.
Parental Rights Defense
A 366.26 hearing — where parental rights can be permanently terminated — is the most serious proceeding in dependency law. We challenge the adequacy of services, invoke statutory exceptions, and pursue writs and appeals when necessary.
Relative Placement & De Facto Parent Status
We help grandparents, relatives, and foster parents navigate the placement process and obtain standing to participate in hearings and advocate for the child.
Common CPS allegations
we defend against
CPS investigations can stem from a wide range of allegations. Many are based on misunderstandings, anonymous tips, or situations taken out of context.
Physical Abuse Allegations
Accusations of excessive discipline, unexplained injuries, or physical harm. We investigate the facts, gather medical evidence, and challenge the county’s characterization of events.
Neglect & Failure to Protect
Allegations of inadequate supervision, unsafe living conditions, or failure to protect from another person’s conduct. We demonstrate that your home is safe and your children are cared for.
Substance Abuse Concerns
Substance use alone does not establish dependency — the county must prove a nexus between the use and actual harm or risk to the child. We challenge speculative claims and hold the county to its burden of proof.
Emotional Abuse
Claims of verbal abuse, domestic violence exposure, or emotional harm to a child. These allegations are often subjective. We challenge vague claims with concrete evidence and expert testimony.
Medical Neglect
Allegations of failing to provide necessary medical care, missed appointments, or disagreements with doctors. We work with medical professionals to present the full picture to the court.
Educational Neglect & Truancy
Chronic absences or failure to enroll can trigger CPS referrals. We address the underlying issues, establish compliance plans, and demonstrate your commitment to your child’s education.
Facing an allegation?
Don’t face it alone.
We defend families at every stage of a CPS case, against every kind of allegation. Contact us to discuss your case.
Request a Consultation (916) 782-3900Who we represent
Mothers & Fathers
Facing allegations of abuse or neglect, at every stage from investigation through trial. Whether you are a single parent, a co-parent navigating a custody dispute that triggered CPS involvement, or a parent blindsided by an anonymous report — we fight for you.
Grandparents & Family
Seeking placement of children or fighting for visitation and involvement in dependency cases. California law gives relatives placement preference. We help you navigate the ICWA and relative assessment process to keep children within the family.
Foster & Adoptive Parents
Pursuing de facto parent status or navigating the dependency system as prospective adoptive parents. We help you gain legal standing in court so your voice is heard in decisions about the child in your care.
What to expect when
you call us
Confidential Intake
We listen to your situation, ask targeted questions, and assess the urgency of your case. This call is confidential and there is no obligation.
Case Evaluation
We review the allegations, identify your immediate risks and opportunities, and outline a preliminary defense strategy.
Immediate Action
If your case is urgent — a detention hearing in 48 hours, a social worker at your door — we move immediately. CPS cases don’t wait, and neither do we.
Serving families across
the Sacramento region
Our Folsom office is centrally located to serve families in Sacramento, Placer, El Dorado, and Amador Counties.
Don’t wait for the system
to decide your future
Every day without an attorney is a day the system moves forward without your voice being heard.
Get Legal Help Now (916) 782-3900