Welcome back and thanks for joining us again as we wrap up this somewhat controversial topic. We’ve been talking about how the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Michigan could impact parents and kids moving forward, specifically from a child abuse standpoint. We’ve already discussed what the new law says about children’s access to pot, and how your choice to use weed recreationally could result in false accusations against you. So now we’d like to touch on one last subject before we wrap this up – how to avoid getting involved with the state over your kids and marijuana use.

How can I prevent someone lying about me to CPS?

Technically, you can’t. You don’t have any control over what other people say and do, but you do have control over your own choices. So if we can make any recommendations for how to keep yourself safe from false allegations of child abuse, and your children safe from access to illicit drugs in your home, it would be this:

• Do not give any marijuana to anyone under the age of 21, whether they’re your own child or not!
• Do not makes jokes on social media about kids smoking weed, or about giving dope to your kids. (this may seem silly, and might even feel like a violation of your right to free speech, but what you post online can come back to haunt you if there’s ever a CPS investigation!)
• Keep your marijuana locked up in a safe location where your children, and other minors in your home, won’t be able to access it.
• If you choose to grow marijuana in your home, make sure that the grow location is kept locked at all times, and no minors are ever allowed in. (Also, do not ever grow more plants than the law permits, as having too much could lead to allegations that you are growing for other people, which the state might decide includes your kids!)
• If your children are old enough, explain the law to them. Make sure that it’s clear that you do not approve of them using marijuana, and you won’t be party to them breaking the law.
• Do not use marijuana in front of your children, or allow them to be exposed in any way to the smoke.
• Do not tell your children where you store your locked up marijuana, and do not retrieve your stash in front of them. Knowing where it is might make it more tempting for them to try and access it when you aren’t home, and that could be viewed as criminal negligence on your part!

And a few points on what to do if you’re accused:

If the cops, or a CPS worker, accuses you of being negligent, which resulted in your children having access to marijuana (or worse – you’re accused of giving it to your kids intentionally) you’re going to have a long fight ahead. But you don’t have to (and seriously shouldn’t) do this alone. So if this sounds like your situation, always remember these tips:

1. Don’t let a CPS worker or police officer into your house unless they have a court order with them that they can show you, that gives them legal access.
2. Don’t talk to a CPS worker, or a police officer, about anything without having a lawyer present. That means don’t answer any questions, don’t share any info, and don’t fall for the “friendly chat to clear up a misunderstanding” schtick.
3. Call your attorney immediately! Not later today, or tomorrow, or next week. Right. Now!

You’re going to need a GREAT attorney to fight this battle!

If someone has lied about you, and accused you of exposing your children to drugs, or allowing them to have access to illicit substances, you’re going to need help from a skilled and experienced child abuse defense attorney. So call 866 766 5245 today, and get help from The Kronzek Firm. We’ve been doing this for decades, and we’re very good at it! So don’t wait – get the help you need, and get it now!