Protecting Your Rights in Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions by the Justice Center
If you have been accused of abusing or neglecting a person with special needs, you will find yourself up against a unique opponent: The Justice Center. The Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs is a recently-developed New York agency that has been tasked with the investigation and prosecution of parties accused of:
- Physical abuse, including unnecessary use of restraints
- Mental and emotional abuse, including verbal abuse
- Sexual assault, including rape
- Neglect, including isolation and seclusion
Parties that may be subject to Justice Center investigations include individuals such as foster parents of children with disabilities, special needs caregivers and health care workers, as well as businesses such as care facilities, mental health facilities, and nursing homes.
Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP can represent you in a criminal investigation or prosecution by the Justice Center. This is distinct from the the administrative hearings done by the Justice Center which could lead to loss of your license. And the Justice Center also maintains a Staff Exclusion List (SEL), which – if you are placed on it – can permanently bar you from working with special needs individuals.
Is Your Attorney Prepared to Take on the Justice Center?
Because this agency is so new, few lawyers have experience defending cases in this area. However, at Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP we have experience in dealing with Justice Center criminal investigations, and we have the strength to stand up to this powerful agency. Our attorneys will protect your rights through all phases of the process.
If you are under investigation by the Justice Center, understand that the Justice Center has the power to charge you with criminal offenses and prosecute you. This is different from the standard criminal process. Early intervention on the part of an attorney may allow you to avoid criminal prosecution.