As soon as allegations of child abuse are made against you, it is essential that you contact us immediately, before speaking with the government. Allegations of child abuse lead to the government taking your children, arresting you, and sending you to prison.

The prosecution can file criminal charges against you, or file a civil dependency and neglect case against you, or both. Child Protective Services (CPS), which is a part of the Department of Human Services (DHS), may take custody of your children, restrict or prohibit you from seeing your kids, and place your children in foster care based on very little information, and allegations that often are inaccurate.

If you are facing allegations of child abuse or neglect, call Peak Legal now at (720) 445-9779 or visit us at www.PeakLegalLLC.com

A child abuse allegation can lead to:

• Your immediate arrest and loss of freedom, family and job;
• Your children being immediately removed from your home and placed into the legal custody of social services and physical custody of someone else;
• A judge putting someone else in charge of decisions regarding your children, including schools, medical care and whether your children can even see you;
• Immediate restriction of your parenting time, in the context of a divorce, post-divorce or custody case;
• Restriction on your ability to have any contact with any children – often including your own children – regardless of whether it is a family, social, or work setting;
• A civil dependency and neglect case also can result in permanent termination of your parental rights, with your child being placed in foster care or put up for adoption.

The potential consequences of child abuse allegations are grave. This is why it is important to have an attorney early on in the DHS investigation process. 

Call Peak Legal at (720) 445-9779 or visit us at www.PeakLegalLLC.com for immediate help with child abuse charges.

According to Colorado law, child abuse is any injury to a child under 18 caused by a parent or caretaker through deliberate actions or negligence on the part of the parent or caretaker. 

When a report of child abuse is made, DHS will determine whether the allegation is founded, whether it meets the statutory definitions of abuse and neglect, and whether the alleged abuse was inflicted by a caregiver.

If the allegations are made against a caregiver, DHS will open a investigation. If the allegations are not made against a caregiver, DHS will forward the report to police. It is important to note, though, that police and the prosecution receive a copy of every report received by DHS. If the report contains criminal allegations, police will get involved and will investigate jointly with DHS. 

Defending you from both a social services/CPS case and a criminal case at the same time can be extremely complicated. You need an attorney who specializes in handling both types of cases, and who will listen and help you every step of the way. Depending on the findings of either or both investigations, criminal charges may be filed as well as the opening of a civil DHS case that can have devastating effects on you and your family. 

Call Peak Legal now at (720) 445-9779 if you are accused of civil or criminal child abuse and neglect, or visit us at www.PeakLegalLLC.com