Administrative Fair Hearings

Administrative proceedings can be extremely complicated and have very serious consequences.  While not held in standard courts, many critically important issues ranging from obtaining or keeping important benefits, losing driving privileges or being labeled as having committed child abuse or maltreatment are addressed through administrative proceedings.  These processes vary with each administrative agency, and generally have a specific process and what are known as “Fair Hearings”, presided over by Administrative Law Judges.  Our attorneys have represented clients with great success with administrative cases and have rigorously defended clients at all stages of administrative proceedings: from the initial investigation, through contested hearings and appeals of decisions we haven’t agreed with.

A specific focus of our Administrative Practice centers upon investigations conducted by the New York City Administration for Children’s Services (“ACS”).  These investigations begin with reports to the Child Abuse and Maltreatment “Hotline” and can be extremely scary and have very serious consequences.  ACS, along with the NYPD, may want to visit your home, look at your children and ask you questions that are highly invasive that could also involve possible criminal consequences.

Most people don’t know that they can have a lawyer represent them during these investigations to ensure that their rights are protected and that ACS doesn’t overstep their boundaries.  Representation by an experienced attorney during these investigations can make all the difference—and we have the experience and know how to fight for your rights.  We are also highly experienced with appeals of wrongful decisions labeling people as having committed child abuse or maltreatment.  We have prevailed at the Administrative Review and Fair Hearing stage repeatedly and extremely knowledgeable with The Office of Children and Family Services Appeal Process.

If you or someone you know is involved in an Administrative Fair Hearing, or if you have questions regarding such matters, please contact Nelson Robinson by email or call us at (212) 962-1740 and let us help you protect your rights.