Glendale Elder Abuse

elder abuse in Glendale

The crime of elder abuse in Glendale involves various criminal acts in which the victim is considered vulnerable because of his or her advanced age. The crimes can include physical abuse, mental abuse, negligent care, sexual abuse and financial crimes committed against people who are over the age of 65. Under California Penal Code Section 368 PC, elder abuse is a serious offense that carries significant penalties for those convicted.

The following list is a sample of the types of crimes that can be the basis of an elder abuse charge in Glendale:

  1. Assault/Battery on an Elder – The law recognizes that Glendale assault and battery offenses are more serious when the victim is a person who is 65 or older, because these people may be physically vulnerable to attacks and more likely to suffer serious injuries when physically abused. These cases often arise with workers at senior care facilities who are accused of hitting or striking their elderly wards. In other cases, the defendant may be an elderly person's own children who are accused of committing the physical abuse.

  2. Emotional Abuse– Emotional abuse against an elderly victim can involve berating, humiliating or causing an elderly person to suffer other forms of emotional abuse. Such abuse can be debilitating to people who already may be physically and mentally frail and is considered a criminal act under the law.

  3. Neglect – Charges of elder abuse via neglect usually are brought against senior care facility workers or administrators who fail to provide adequate medical attention, shelter, food or other necessities to elderly individuals who they have a duty to care for. In some cases, family members who have accepted this role of caregiver can be charged with elder abuse.

  4. Financial Abuse – Understanding that the elderly may be vulnerable to certain financial crimes such as embezzlement and theft, such crimes committed against those who are 65 and older are considered a form of elder abuse.

  5. Sexual Abuse – Any time that a sex crime involves an elderly victim, elder abuse charges may be appropriate in addition to charges for the underlying offense.

There are different defenses that may be available to someone charged with elder abuse in Glendale. It is often the case that when an elderly person suffers from senility or the effects of Alzheimer's disease, they are prone to make outrageous claims about people near them. As a result, in certain cases one may find himself or herself falsely accused of elder abuse. In these cases, an effective Glendale criminal defense attorney can undermine the false allegation in order to defend his client.

It is also often the case that people of an advanced age are more fragile and can be seriously injured from very minor accidents. In these cases, a Glendale criminal defense attorney can advance a valid accident defense on behalf of a client charged with elder abuse. However, it is important to keep in mind that even if injuries occurred unintentionally, a person can still be charged with elder abuse by neglect if they did not exercise reasonable caution in dealing with someone for whom they are obligated to provide care.

Elder abuse in Glendale is a “wobbler” offense that can be charged as either a felony or a misdemeanor. In making any filing decision, a prosecutor from the Glendale Branch Office of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will consider factors such as the type of abuse and its severity, the age and condition of the victim and the defendant's criminal history. If filed as a felony, the defendant can face up to four years in prison if convicted, with an additional consecutive three years sentence if the elder abuse resulted in great bodily injury or death to the victim. If filed as a misdemeanor, the potential sentence can include a year in jail, extensive fines and fees, victim restitution, court imposed counseling and/or educational sessions, community service/labor, or any other conditions a judge may feel is appropriate.

If you have been charged with an elder abuse offense in Glendale, it is critical that you discuss your case with a knowledgeable and experienced Glendale criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who is highly respected throughout the Glendale legal community as a tough and knowledgeable advocate.

For more information about Glendale elder abuse, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Glendale Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 121 W Lexington Dr, Glendale, CA 91203. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 818-507-9123.

Share |
Featured on CNN
ABC News
NBC News
Los Angeles Times
CBS News
Today
The New York Times
Us Weekly
Entertainment Tonight
Good Morning America
Legal Broadcast Network
Avvo Rating 10.0
Client Reviews
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is outstanding! He genuinely cared about my case and instructed my mom and I throughout the entire process. He was very clear on what he needed in order to receive the best results. He kept us updated until the end. I thank him so much for getting my charges rejected. I highly recommend him to anyone with legal needs! Shaquan
★★★★★
I contacted Michael with concern for my personal and business reputation. He was very reassuring and confident the entire time. After about 3 weeks it was determined that no charges were being filed by any agency and I was in the clear of any investigation. One thing that is amazing is just how FAST Michael is at replying to phone calls, texts, and even emails! We are talking under 30 minutes in most cases. That is unheard of for most attorneys! Michael is incredible and not your typical run of the mill attorney. For best results hire him if you feel like you might be under investigation or could face charges. Even if you know you are innocent it is best to take care of the smoke before it becomes a fire. Brad
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is-hands down-the best criminal defense attorney and I can't begin to thank him for all that he did for me and my family. I reached out to him in the middle of the night and less than a couple hours later, he had gotten back to me and scheduled a meeting. He's a no-nonsense attorney who knows how to get the job done! From the second we retained him, I had peace of mind in knowing that we were in the best hands possible. If Michael Kraut couldn't get it done, I knew that it couldn't be done at all. You can't put a price tag on your freedom. He was worth every single penny. Lida
★★★★★
Michael Kraut is an outstanding attorney. He was extremely professional, and straightforward, yet sensitive with my case. I am confident I made the right choice by hiring Michael. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a truly experienced lawyer. Daniel
★★★★★
Michael Kraut - I cannot thank you enough for all that you did for ​my son. When I came to you I read that you used to be a district attorney but I never knew how much that meant until I watch you in court. I knew it took 3 months but the final day when I heard the judge say that all charges were dismissed it was all worth it! I will always be grateful for all that you did for us. A.N.