Understanding Tyreek Hill’s investigation: From family court to criminal charges

A look at where things stand with Tyreek Hill now that the Chiefs’ wide receiver has an inactive criminal case with an open family court case.

The Tyreek Hill saga seems to be winding down with many believing we will shortly hear from the league on Hill’s potential suspension following allegations of child abuse that surfaced in March. Given the confusion at every turn regarding the legal issues Hill has faced (and is facing), as an attorney, let me try and clarify because the road has been long, winding, and filled with twists and turns. Ultimately, however, it does appear close to finished with it more likely than not that Tyreek will be at training camp on day one.

This does not mean, however, that Hill is finished with the Court system. Reports have come out that the case is “closed.” These reports are accurate; the criminal case is inactive right now. Unless further evidence comes to light (and at this point, it seems highly unlikely), the District Attorney will not press criminal charges.

However, Hill continues in the family court system. Our most updated information is that Hill’s son remains out of his physical custody—whether that means he is placed with a family member or in the foster care system is unknown. Regardless, Hill is not currently caring for his son. This removal is typical in a family court case where there is belief that the child can face harm if the child remains in the custody of the parents.

Until the Court is convinced that no harm will come to the child, visitation is usually offered to the parents. This can be supervised or unsupervised, depending on the Court’s discretion. When the Court, in conjunction with social services and additional resources are convinced that the child will be safe, the Court can return the child to the care of the parents.

Family court is entirely separate from criminal charges. You can have an ongoing family court case with no criminal charges. This is the position that Hill is in, and it is confusing for us as a fan base. We hear that Hill is no longer being investigated, yet he remains under supervision of the Court. He is likely attending counseling sessions on parenting and could be in additional counseling for things such as anger management.

All these elements are working towards the family court’s end goal of family reunification. The Court does not like to remove children from their parents. The Court knows a parent is an important and necessary part of a child’s life and ultimately wants to rehabilitate in order to ensure that a child is in the best possible placement.

The good news is this: With the criminal case inactive and Tyreek’s apparent compliance with the family court’s requests, it would appear that Tyreek is on the right path to a closure of the case and reunification with his son. We cannot forget, however, that Crystal Espinal just gave birth to twins recently. According to her Instagram story, she had given birth by July 5. The Court will likely need to make sure those infants are safe as well. The supervision of the Court is necessary to make sure Espinal and Hill are both adequately caring for their children and to set up a parenting plan if these two do not continue their relationship.

Either way, the hope is that with Court supervision, both will learn how to be better parents to their children and that the children remain safe. If the Court is convinced and if Hill and Espinol work to change, then their children can grow up to be healthy and cared for without the continued intervention of the Court.

Until the next update, hang in there, Chiefs Kingdom. Training camp is right around the corner and I, for one, cannot wait to see what happens! (Additionally, do not take legal advice from a Chiefs blog. If you have a legal issue, consult an attorney.)