what attorney to use for accusations of senior abuse

by Prof. Bo Beer DDS 5 min read

If you or a family member face a false accusation of elder sex abuse, rest assured that you can get an experienced elder sex abuse defense lawyer by contacting the Neal Davis Law Firm. Contact us today and you will receive a legal review of your case. It will be confidential and at no obligation to you.

If you're facing a criminal elder abuse charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney: For a case involving finances, you need a criminal defense attorney with a network of experts, such as forensic accountants.Oct 11, 2017

Full Answer

Do you need a criminal defense attorney for elder abuse charges?

Oct 11, 2017 · If you’re facing a criminal elder abuse charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney: For a case involving finances, you need a criminal defense attorney with a network of experts, such as forensic accountants.

What should I do if I’m charged with elder abuse?

Jul 08, 2020 · Lawyers can use their legal knowledge to abuse a senior’s power of attorney and avoid detection. In one case, a Pennsylvania attorney stole over $500,000 from the estate of an elderly client who suffered from dementia. He stole the money over a period of three years before being caught. The lawyer was disbarred and sentenced to 33 months in ...

What are the defenses to senior fraud and financial abuse in California?

A Nevada elder abuse criminal defense lawyer can provide you with invaluable assistance if you are facing serious accusations of abusing a vulnerable senior citizen. Call Nick Wooldridge today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how …

How can I protect myself from false accusations of abuse?

Feb 28, 2022 · ATTORNEY NEWSLETTER Thefts Allegedly Occurred Over Two-Year Period Unauthorized Use Of Debit Card And Online Transfers Police Review Surveillance Videos

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How do you defend against false allegations of elder abuse?

Just as there are laws protecting the elderly, there are also laws protecting you from false accusations of abuse. Hiring an attorney is the best way to fight false accusations against you. You can find an attorney experienced in the area of elder responsibility that is involved.Nov 23, 2017

How is elder abuse proven?

A prosecutor must prove the following to convict a person of felony elder abuse: the defendant willfully or with criminal negligence subjected an elderly person to unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, the conduct was likely to produce great bodily injury or death, and.Sep 6, 2021

What exactly constitutes elder abuse?

Elder abuse is an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. ... Emotional or Psychological Abuse refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress on an older adult.

Is elder abuse a legal issue?

Elder abuse does not have a single, legal definition. ... Elder abuse can include physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.Sep 3, 2018

What is the greatest risk factor for abuse?

Risk Factors for PerpetrationCurrent physical health problem.Past experience of disruptive behavior.Past experience of traumatic events.High levels of stress.Poor or inadequate preparation or training for caregiving responsibilities.Inadequate coping skills.Exposure to or witnessing abuse as a child.Social isolation.More items...

Which of the following is a form of emotional abuse of an elderly person?

Emotional elder abuse takes place when an older person suffers harm through insults, yelling, or verbal harassment. It is also referred to as elder psychological abuse. Emotional abuse may be one of the most common forms of elder mistreatment.Jul 16, 2021

Which of the following clients is at highest risk for elder abuse?

Which client is at highest risk for elder abuse? The most likely victims of elder abuse are individuals who are in poor physical or mental health and dependent on others for physical or financial support; these clients are often confused and depressed.

What are the five signs of elder abuse?

What Are the Warning Signs of Elder Abuse?Injuries such as bruises, cuts, or broken bones.Malnourishment or weight loss.Poor hygiene.Symptoms of anxiety, depression, or confusion.Unexplained transactions or loss of money.Withdrawal from family members or friends.Jan 8, 2020

Who is the first person you should report allegations of abuse and neglect to?

facility or community agency when abuse or neglect may be suspected. To ensure an investigation by OIG, someone must call OIG's Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-368-1463. Each allegation of abuse and neglect must be reported to the OIG hotline within 4 hours of the initial discovery.

How do you fight elder abuse?

You can also support community efforts to empower elders and fight isolation; act by volunteering to deliver meals or serve as a long-term care ombudsman. There are a number of “red flags” that could suggest the presence of elder abuse. Examples include: Isolation (especially by a caregiver);May 7, 2020

How do you deal with elder abuse?

Call the police or 9-1-1 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police.Sep 11, 2014

What are your Organisations guidelines for responding to elderly abuse cases?

Urgent. Non urgent and after hours. - wait for business hours. Gather decision-making. capacity information. Decision-making. ... Provide referral. information safely. If concerned about. coercion, refer to. Elder Abuse Helpline. 1300 724 679. ... IDENTIFY WHETHER. ABUSE IS OCCURRING. PROVIDE EMOTIONAL. SUPPORT. ASSESS RISK. & PLAN SAFETY.

What does the prosecutor have to prove?

The prosecutor must prove that the accused coerced, tricked, or manipulated the older person, resulting in his or her loss of money or property to the perpetrator. This element may also be related to fiduciary or power of attorney abuse.

What are the different types of elder abuse?

Types of Elder Abuse. There are many different types of elder abuse. Among the most common types include: Physical abuse involves the (non-accidental) use of force that results in an impairment, physical pain, or bodily injury to an elder. Physical abuse includes confinement, hitting/shoving, shaking, inappropriate drugs, ...

What is fiduciary abuse?

Fiduciary abuse (power of attorney, breach of trust) occurs when a person responsible for management of the elder’s assets uses his or her fiduciary power to access money or property in an illegal or unethical manner. Fiduciary abuse may be committed by a family member, financial adviser, or power of attorney.

What to do if you are charged with elder abuse?

If you have been charged with elder abuse, you want to clear your name. If you’re facing a criminal elder abuse charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney: For a case involving finances, you need a criminal defense attorney with a network of experts, such as forensic accountants. For an elder abuse case alleging injury, you need ...

What do you need to know about elder abuse?

For an elder abuse case alleging injury, you need a detail-oriented defense attorney who will thoroughly review medical records. Authorities might have failed to properly gather evidence—a knowledgeable defense attorney will argue that the evidence should be deemed inadmissible.

What happens if you are not guilty of a crime?

If you’re not guilty, an experienced defense attorney will do everything possible to exonerate you or have the charges dropped. When a prosecutor recognizes that the facts of the case aren’t strong enough to obtain a conviction, he or she may agree not to pursue additional actions against you.

Why do seniors give power of attorney?

Seniors may give lawyers their power of attorney because they seem qualified and trustworthy. This does not mean that all lawyers can be trusted. Lawyers can use their legal knowledge to abuse a senior’s power of attorney and avoid detection.

What is nursing home abuse justice?

Nursing Home Abuse Justice was founded to shine a light on nursing home and elder abuse. Every day, thousands of people in nursing homes and assisted living facilities are abused. Our team helps educate seniors and their loved ones on the common causes, signs and preventions of nursing home abuse. We report on real-world studies and current events from respected news outlets to expose this national problem.

Can a power of attorney steal money?

When someone with power of attorney uses it to steal money from a senior, it may be considered abuse. Lawyers, family members, friends, nursing home staff, and even strangers can commit this type of elder abuse. Know the signs so that you can identify and stop power of attorney elder abuse before it has lasting consequences.

Can a senior change their will?

Changes a senior’s will for their benefit. Uses an elder’s credit card without their knowledge. Caregivers and loved ones can also keep a lookout for these issues even if a senior has not transferred their power of attorney. Family members can also learn more about elder and nursing home abuse to keep seniors safe.

What is a power of attorney?

Power of attorney allows someone to make financial and legal decisions for another person. Those with power of attorney (known as agents) are expected to act in the best interest of those they represent (known as principals), but this does not always happen.

What is the argument that can justify the actions you are accused of taking?

Self defense is another possible argument that can justify the actions you are accused of taking. Scientific America wrote of an “epidemic against healthcare workers ,” discussing how common and dangerous assaults are against nurses and other caregivers. If you were being threatened with harm by a senior, you have the right to defend yourself- even if this means getting physical.

Can osteoporosis cause broken bones?

Conditions like osteoporosis can also make a senior vulnerable to very serious injuries like broken bones even for a very minor accident. You can make a credible argument in many cases that there is no proof any injuries were intentionally inflicted or were the result of neglect.

Is elder abuse legal in Texas?

Elder Abuse. You have a right to be safe and protected from abuse. The Office of the Attorney General and the State of Texas are committed to protecting you from verbal, emotional and physical abuse, as well as financial exploitation, whether you are living in your own home, with family or in a long-term care facility.

What is the meaning of "neglect" in nursing?

Neglect means the failure of a caretaker to provide the goods or services, including medical services, which are necessary to avoid physical or emotional harm or pain. Exploitation includes a caretaker's illegal use of a senior's resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit, or gain.

Learn how you can defend yourself if you have been falsely accused of elder abuse

Older Americans are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, making elder abuse an incredibly serious crime. Elder abuse comes in many forms, including financial abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse and emotional or mental abuse.

Just one Man's Opinion

In many cases involving sexual molestation or other sex crimes involving children, it is common for the prosecution (and sometimes the defense) to call a Child Sexual Abuse Accommodation Syndrome ("CSAAS") expert.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is a term that rubs a lot of people the wrong way; instances of these types of offenses being committed at nursing homes to have been on the rise, and the accusers involved are often very old individuals with little ability to fully understand the world around them. These types of offenses often result in maximum penalties due ...

What to do if you are facing elder abuse charges?

No matter what type of elder abuse charges you are facing, speaking with a skilled attorney that you trust is one of the best things that you can do to help your case.

What happens if you are not guilty of a crime?

If you are not guilty, there may be multiple opportunities to have the charges against you dropped. An experienced lawyer will be able to help identify the most important evidence that will help exonerate you.

Can a jury believe that a nice old lady would falsely identify you as an abuser?

A jury is unlikely to believe that a seemingly nice old lady would falsely identify you as an abuser, but you know better. In these situations, it is often better to tread lightly and uphold as much dignity for your accuser as you can, despite the predicament he or she has put you in.

Why is it important to act quickly?

It is often important for the individual to act quickly in order to preserve his or her rights and mitigate the potential financial consequences.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney is a written document that gives an agent the legal authority to act for the principal who establishes the power of attorney. This designation is for financial purposes, such as opening a bank account, writing checks, implementing new investments and conducting financial transactions. A power of attorney can give someone the ...

Is elder abuse a felony?

Elder Abuse. Several states have laws related to elder abuse. In some cases, the state includes taking financial advantage of a vulnerable elder in the statute. These may be criminal or civil laws with varying degrees of penalties, sometimes resulting in the possibility of charging a felony against the abuser.

What is legal authority?

This legal authority can be an important planning mechanism that allows someone to make financial decisions and conduct financial transactions in the event that the principal cannot do so for himself or herself whether temporarily or permanently.

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

Individuals who believe that their power of attorney is being abused or who are concerned about a loved one may wish to discuss their case with a lawyer. A lawyer may be able to revoke the power of attorney so that no further damage is done.

What is a legal claim in a divorce case?

Another possible legal claim is conversion. This claim basically asserts that the agent has stolen from the principal. Successfully litigating this type of case typically requires showing that the agent used the principal’s property in a manner inconsistent with his or her rights of ownership. Additionally, the principal may have the duty to demand the return of his or her property and that the agent refused to return it.

What is the legal claim of an agent who lied?

In some cases, the legal claim may be that the agent lied about circumstances which caused him or her to take action or have the agent take action on his or her behalf that was adverse to his or her interests.

Self Defense as an Absolute Defense to Elder Abuse?

This is correct. An individual is not criminally liable for elder abuse when acting in self-defense. So this includes defending another person. Normally this is a type of situation where an adult over the age of 65 acted physically aggressive and tried to attack you.

What About Lack of Intent as a Defense?

California Penal Code § 368 requires the defendant to do bad things. So he must have willfully acted in a manner resulting in unjustifiable physical pain.

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Wrongfully Accused of Elder Abuse

  • Perhaps you are a caregiver for an elderly person, and a jealous family member accuses you of stealing money or property because he is jealous that you are getting gifts from the elder or you are in her will. Or perhaps an angry family member feels like you have too much control over the elder and her finances and wants to stop you from continuing. There are many scenarios where …
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Areas of Fraud

  • There are many kinds of elder abuse, including those with criminal designs like consumer scams, credit card scams, door-to-door solicitation, funeral, and cemetery fraud, home repair fraud, Medicare fraud, living trust “mills,” and telemarketing or direct mail fraud. These are probably not the kinds of fraud you are being reported for, but if you are a caregiver with broad responsibilitie…
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Elements of Law

  • Before you can be convicted of financial elder abuse, a prosecutor must prove that you stole or embezzled the elder’s money or other property. In California, there are a variety of defenses to senior fraud and financial abuse that a good criminal attorney could present on your behalf. The basic element in California law on theft is the intent. If an attorney can show you did not have th…
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Having Your Name Cleared

  • Finding the right attorney will help you clear your name. For criminal charges, you will need a criminal defense attorney. For civil matters, you will need an attorney who knows the specific area of law involved. Financial suits should involve a lawyer familiar with finance and accounting. Injury suits should have an attorney experienced in dealing with medical records and medical personn…
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Penalties For False Claims

  • Many states and the U.S. Virgin Islands impose penalties against any person who intentionally files a reporton elder abuse or other crimes that the person knows is false. In these states, the person making the false report can face jail time ranging from 90 days to five years, or face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000. In Florida, the most severe penalties exist. In addition to the maxi…
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