A field of law that has become a topic of immigration proceedings of late is Neglect and Abuse cases. Neglect and Abuse (NA) cases have a lower burden than that of criminal matters, but the consequences can be extremely severe for those that are not American citizens. To discuss this matter, we spoke to several of the top lawyers in the state of Michigan.
Scott Grabel is the founder of Grabel and Associates and runs what is considered by many as the top criminal defense firm across the state of Michigan. Grabel spoke of the topic when he stated, “When a CPS Petition is followed it is often accompanied by the criminal complaint. For the average citizen, one goal is to try to avoid the criminal component while preserving one’s constitutional right to parent. With those that are not American citizens, the stakes are much higher as a successful petition can lead to removal proceedings.
Megan Smith is an Associate for Grabel and Associates and Tanis Schultz. Smith is known as a top criminal defense lawyer in Kent County and added her insight to this topic. Smith stated, “People often feel the need to fight for their right to parenting and they certainly should. With that stated, we must get creative on these cases. The rules of evidence are relaxed, and a termination of parental rights can lead to criminal charges and removal proceedings.”