When the average person thinks about elder abuse, they imagine physical abuse. While that is one type of elder abuse, it is far from the only one. If you have been accused of elder abuse, it is not enough to prove that you did not physically abuse anyone – the charges could be related to something else entirely. Keep reading to learn more and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 for a free legal consultation.

Physical Abuse

While most people know about this type of elder abuse, it is important to cover what it actually involves. It can include impairment, physical pain, or bodily injury against an elder. This includes confinement, giving drugs inappropriately, shaking, or using restraints. A conviction of physical abuse of an elder can lead to severe penalties. However, just because an elder is injured does not mean that someone injured them. After all, older people are more susceptible to physical injury.

Financial Abuse

Also charged as undue influence, financial abuse of an elder requires that the prosecution prove that the accused tricked, manipulated, or otherwise coerced the elder, and that this coercion led to a loss of money or property to the accused. This can also be related to attorney abuse and fiduciary or power of attorney. For example, if a person is the trustee of an elder’s estate and they commit financial misdeeds, they will be charged with elder abuse. In that case, they could face both criminal and civil charges.

Verbal and Emotional Abuse

This type of abuse involves getting control of the elder via ridicule, humiliation, or intimidation. It is yet another way of taking advantage of a person who is weaker in order to control them. This can involve blaming the elder or using them as a scapegoat. There is also nonverbal psychological abuse that could involve menacing, isolating, ignoring, or terrorizing the elder.

Neglect

While the other types of abuse listed here are all direct actions, neglect is the opposite. It involves the person who is in charge of caring for an elder not fulfilling those duties. In more than 50% of elder abuse cases, neglect is one element. The prosecutor might also find ways to allege active neglect, such as choosing not to give an elder their pills.

Now is the Time to Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of or charged with a crime related to elder abuse, then it is time to contact a criminal defense attorney. When you reach out to Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we can give you an honest assessment of your case so that you understand your options. The sooner you call us, the better your chances will be so call us today at (949) 585-9055.