Totowa NJ Child Abuse Defense Attorney
Defending Clients in Passaic County, New Jersey
The New Jersey State Legislature has enacted numerous statutes to protect individuals against abuse at the hands of members of their own family. Child abuse laws make criminal the physical, sexual or mental abuse of a child. Spousal abuse is also punishable under various state statutes.
Individuals who face domestic violence charges may also face charges that are categorized as offenses against the family, including:
- Child Abuse
- Endangering the Welfare of a Child
- Interference with Custody
- Use of a Minor to Commit a Crime
These cases typically involve DCPP, the Department of Child Protection and Permanency (formerly known as DYFS, the Division of Youth and Family Services), the New Jersey agency that is designed to protect the safety and welfare of children.
DCPP is responsible for investigating child abuse and neglect accusations. If there is evidence of child abuse or neglect in a home, DCPP will conduct an investigation and, if appropriate, report their findings to the County Prosecutor’s Office. DCPP itself cannot make an arrest or file a criminal charge, but it can intervene on behalf of abused or neglected children. In certain circumstances, DCPP may petition the court to have children removed from their home and placed into foster care.
A DCPP investigation may lead to a separate criminal investigation, in which criminal charges may be filed against you. The matters will proceed separately and can have separate and distinct (but equally serious) consequences.
Alissa D. Hascup is a skilled criminal defense attorney who is committed to aggressively defending parents who are being investigated by DCPP or local authorities with regard to allegations of child abuse or neglect. She can represent you at any hearings or in any proceedings that may follow the DCPP or criminal investigation.
Contact Ms. Hascup today to schedule an initial consultation, which is offered free of charge.
Passaic County NJ Sexual Abuse Charge Defense Lawyer
Well-meaning medical professionals and other individuals who come in contact with children such as nurses, teachers and day care providers often misread signals and report child neglect or abuse that does not exist.
Once DCPP is involved in a family situation, you may face a number of challenges in retaining legal custody of your children. If you are being investigated by DCPP or have been contacted regarding your children, it is critical to retain the services of an experienced Newark parental defense attorney as quickly as possible.
The legal process initiated by the DCPP can include several steps, including a preliminary hearing, a fact-finding hearing, a dispositional hearing, a review hearing and a permanency hearing. Alissa D. Hascup is an experienced lawyer who will advocate on your behalf to protect your parental rights. Additionally, even after the DCPP process has concluded, the criminal process may continue. Ms. Hascup is ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Do not go at it alone. Ms. Hascup offers a free consultation and flexible payment plans. Use her online contact form to schedule a meeting.
