DHS Child Maltreatment proceedings are strictly speaking not criminal in nature but may arise in conjunction with an arrest or criminal charge being filed along with the alleged child maltreatment.  Being on the Child Maltreatment Registry can have adverse consequences relating to a person's employment or ability to be around children in certain capacities.

If you receive notice that you are going to be placed upon the Child Maltreatment Registry, you need to consult legal counsel immediately to preserve your legal rights.  If you fail to take action within the time prescribed in the notice you may forever lose your right to challenge the decision to have you placed on the registry.

You are entitled to a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge and will have the opportunity to present witnesses in your behalf.  Counsel will have the opportunity to question any witnesses whom the Department may present in support of their case as well as to challenge any 0f the other evidence offerred by the Department.  If unsuccessful at that particular level, you may appeal your case to the circuit court which will review the proceedings.  If you are not successful at the circuit court level, you may appeal your case to the Arkansas Supreme Court or Arkansas Court of Appeals.

Whatever stage of the process you find yourself in regarding your Child Maltreatment proceeding, give us a call for your free initial consultation.