QUALITY, INTEGRITY, EXCELLENCE


Clients of the James Turner Law Firm, LLC know that excellence is in the very foundation of the firm.  Clients hire our firm for a reason: aggressive and quality representation.  We will always protect and pursue our clients’ interests to the extent of what the law allows.  We pursue a course of calculated aggression so as not over litigate when the case does not require it.  Essentially, it is our job to provide you with the most cost-effective, aggressive representation possible and we strive to do that each and every day.
Juvenile Dependency / Child Abuse Cases
Fighting for Your Parental Rights

Juvenile dependency refers to a petition filed by the Florida Department of Children and Family Services alleging child abuse and neglect. Filed with a juvenile dependency court, these allegations are serious. If successful, juvenile dependency allegations might terminate a person's parental rights. When the state makes false or unjustified accusations against you, speak to lawyer James Turner about your juvenile dependency case.

Things You Should Do If You Are Being Investigated by DCF

  • Get the name of the social worker and inquire about the allegations. 
  • Take notes and write down as much as you can either during the conversation or immediately afterwards. 
  • Do not necessarily respond to the allegations. 
  • Do not argue with DCF or service providers. 
  • Do not enter into any agreements before reviewing them with your attorney. 
  • Do not sign anything before your attorney reviews it.  
  • Provide the name, contact information, social security number and date of birth of relatives for the children if they will need to be placed in another environment. 
  • Do not discuss your case with others. 
  • Seek representation immediately. 

Your level of cooperation is dependent on the facts and circumstances of DCF’s investigation. You should seek legal help to ensure you don't jeopardize your position.  You are not required to speak with DCF prior to seeking legal representation. DCF may remove your child for 24 hours without any court order. Time is of the essence.

Accused of Child Abuse? Child Neglect? Child Abandonment?

One of the most traumatic events in a parent's life would be the removal of a child from their home. The State of Florida may attempt to remove children from the care of their parents when there are allegations of abuse or neglect. When these allegations are received by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), an investigator will be sent to the home to determine whether the allegations have merit and whether or not the child will be removed from the home.

Has DCF removed your child?  Has your child been placed in foster care?

You will need someone to fight with you.  As a former Guardian ad Litem (GAL) attorney and attorney for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), James Turner has years of experience dealing with this specific type of situation.  If the court decides that a child should remain in the state’s care, then dependency proceedings under Chapter 39 of the Florida Statutes will ensue. DCF will submit a case plan in which you, as the parent, must comply with for a maximum of one year in order to prevent the termination of your parental rights.  Don't delay!  Time is of the essence.

You Have Rights!  Among them, you have the right to: 
 
  • Be represented by a lawyer at every stage of your case.
  • Be notified of all court hearings and to be present at them. 
  • See copies of any DCF or Guardian ad Litem report filed in your case or presented at a hearing. 
  • Receive services to help you get your child back. 
  • Know any costs for services. 
  • Be consulted about medical treatment and travel if your child is placed outside of your home. 
  • Keep in contact with and visit your child unless otherwise ordered by the court.

A capable Milton and Pensacola juvenile dependency and child abuse defense attorney can help explain and guide you through the process.  Whether the allegations stem from child abuse, child neglect, substance abuse or abandonment, James Turner is here to help as YOUR Pensacola and Milton child abuse defense lawyer.

Call (850) 983-0725 today to schedule an initial consultation.

You don't have to go through the system on your own!  Your future and your child's future are too important!  If you are in legal trouble in the Greater Pensacola area (including both Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties) contact the James Turner Law Firm, LLC immediately.


Copyright 2015.  James Turner Law Firm, LLC.  The Milton, Florida, office of The James Turner Law Firm, LLC, serves clients throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties, including Pensacola, Bellview, Gonzalez, Century, Pace, Gulf Breeze, Milton, Cantonment, Molino, Perdido Key, Walnut Hill, Bagdad, Navarre, Fort Walton Beach and Pensacola Beach; counties including Santa Rosa County and Escambia County; as well as Eglin Air Force Base, Whiting Field and NAS Pensacola (Naval Air Station).
Call 
(850) 983-0725

 today to set up an appointment.
Call (850) 983-0725
5208 Elmira Street • Milton, Florida 32570