Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Criminal charges in a dependency hearing

I have an arraignment hearing tomorrow and will be expected to plea. I wont meet my attorney until that time. DCF removed my children 3 weeks ago for alleged abuse.

I only disciplined my son, I did not abuse him. I have no history w/DCF, nor a criminal record.

My question is; if I plead ''consent'', will I be allowing myself to be considered for criminal charges, even though the sheriff told me he was not considering a criminal case (being that I have no history, and this was an isolated incident)? Really, I just want my children back, but pleading guilty is not an option b/c most of what was said in the petition by DCF are lies. However, if need be, I will take it to trial b/c I know I am not an abusive mother, and I have a lot of support to help me prove that. My second question is, what are possible outcomes if I decide to go to trial? Thank you in advance.

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