Q I received a telephone call to turn up in Court or else a restraining order will be issued against me, what do I do?
A Demand a copy of the documents being filed and immediately consult an Attorney.
Q What if the police come to my house to ask me questions?
A Be polite, request a copy of the warrant, and respectfully decline to answer questions without your Attorney. Request a business card and consult an Attorney immediately.
Q I don't know what to do, my grandchild was taken by Children Services Department. Do I need an Attorney?
A Yes you do. Time is a significant factor and makes a difference. Talk to a Juvenile Dependency Attorney immediately.
Q I was arrested for driving drunk, I spent the night in jail and was released the following morning. What do I do?
A Consult with a Lawyer immediately, you have a limited period of time to request a DMV hearing to preserve your rights even before going to Court.
Q If I'm pulled over for drunk driving, can I refuse to be tested?
A Each state has an 'implied consent' statute. This means that by accepting the privilege to drive, you impliedly consent to being tested if suspected of driving under the influence. If you refuse, your license will be suspended.
Q The police charged me with a crime I didn't commit. I have to go to Court. Can I talk with the District Attorney about this?
A If you are charged, talking to the DA yourself is not a good idea. Retain an Attorney, or request that one be provided to you.
Q I am Native American Indian and my children were removed because I was accused of neglect and abuse. Are there special rules for Indian Children in the Dependency Court?
A The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) prescribes certain special rules that must be followed to protect the family and ensure that services are provided to maintain the Indian family unit.
Q My teenage child was arrested and charged with crime and he is not even 18 years old. What do I do?
A Immediately consult a Juvenile Delinquency Attorney.
Q I want to adopt a baby but the birth Father refuses to voluntarily waive or relinquish his parental rights, Can i still adopt the baby when it is born?
A An alleged father's rights can be terminated with out his signature. Consult an Attorney for assistance; the faster you act the better the odds of getting results.
Q I had a one night stand and now she is pregnant, I don't know if I'm the father, what's going to happen?
A A paternity case may be filed by yourself, the mother or the Department of Child Support Services to establish the parent-child relationship. Consult an Attorney for advice and assistance.
Q I want to move away but my child's father (or mother) refuse to agree that I can take the children with me. What can I do?
A Retain an Attorney experienced in child custody matters. An aggressive Attorney can make a difference in whether or not you get to take the child (or children) with you.
Q I have a judgment from another State. I moved to California and I want to change the orders in the local Superior Court. Will the Court modify my out-of-state order and judgment?
A It depends. An Attorney experienced in inter-state child custody and support matters can evaluate your case and advise you on where best to file.
Q In what counties does O'Neil G. Dennis Attorney at Law practice law?
A Mr. Dennis practices law in the counties of: Alameda, Butte, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Stanislaus, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, Tehama, Yuba, Yolo & and all other counties within the State of California