CPS Attorneys
Protecting Families

If your children were just removed and you want to know when you will see your kids, how often visits happen, whether visits will be supervised, or whether a social worker can cancel them, California law requires visitation to be as frequent as possible under W&I Code § 362.1. The judge sets your first visitation order at the detention hearing, which must happen by the next court day under W&I Code § 319. Consistent, positive visits are one of the strongest facts a judge considers when deciding to send your children home.

From the detention hearing held the next court day after removal under W&I Code § 319, through jurisdiction, disposition, and the 6-month and 12-month review hearings, most cases run about 6 to 18 months. Parents of children under age three generally receive 6 months of reunification services, while other parents may receive 12 to 18 months under W&I Code § 361.5. The case closes when the children return home, or it shifts toward a permanent plan if reunification does not succeed.

Whether you want to explain yourself to the social worker, testify at your hearing, or you fear your words could surface in a parallel criminal case or a family court custody dispute, timing is everything. You have the right to testify at the jurisdiction hearing, but statements made to a social worker can enter the court report under W&I Code § 355 and may reach prosecutors in a related Penal Code § 273a child endangerment case. A dependency defense lawyer helps you tell your side at the right moment without waiving your Fifth Amendment rights.

Yes—when comparing court-appointed counsel to a private juvenile dependency attorney, ask whether they will present your own evidence, cross-examine the social worker, and retain independent experts. Under W&I Code § 355, a parent can object to the hearsay inside the social worker’s report and require live testimony to back it up. A qualified dependency lawyer builds a counter-record with witnesses, documents, and experts instead of letting the Department’s report stand unchallenged.

The most important thing you can do is remain calm, exercise your right to remain silent, and request an attorney. Many people unintentionally damage their cases by answering questions or trying to explain their side of the story before speaking with counsel. The hours immediately following an arrest are often critical, which is why securing experienced legal representation as early as possible can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

Yes. In some cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed before trial through strategic negotiations, independent investigations, evidentiary challenges, or proactive legal advocacy. Early intervention often creates opportunities to address weaknesses in the prosecution’s case before it gains momentum in court.

Absolutely. Many criminal cases begin with an investigation long before formal charges are filed. Having an attorney involved during this stage can help protect your rights, manage communications with investigators, and position your case more favorably before prosecutors make charging decisions.

Not necessarily. Many first-time offenders may qualify for alternatives such as diversion programs, probation, counseling, community service, or reduced charges. The potential outcome depends on the nature of the allegations, your criminal history, and the specific facts of the case. An experienced defense attorney can help identify opportunities to avoid the most serious consequences whenever possible.

Johnson Criminal Law Group represents individuals facing a wide range of criminal allegations, including DUI, domestic violence, theft offenses, drug crimes, assault charges, and other misdemeanor and felony matters. Our team provides strategic defense representation for clients throughout Orange County and communities across Southern California.

A criminal conviction can impact far more than the outcome of a court case. Depending on the circumstances, it may affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, educational opportunities, immigration matters, and personal reputation. Protecting your future often begins with building the strongest defense possible from the start.

Clients turn to Johnson Criminal Law Group because they want experienced, responsive, and strategic representation during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Led by Lauren Johnson-Norris, the firm combines over 20 years of criminal defense experience with personalized advocacy, trial-tested representation, and a commitment to protecting each client’s rights, freedom, and future.