Steps to Proving Financial Elder Abuse Hire an elder financial abuse attorney. Prove the victim is an elder. Identify the suspect. Gather as much evidence as possible. Identify where and how the financial abuse took place. Prove it is “more likely than not” that there was abuse.
Again, on physical evidence as an officer, you want to look for bruises, rashes, and bedsores on that subject. Bedsores can be absolutely indicative of abuse or neglect. Photograph, get statements from neighbors, social workers, family members, physicians, and nurses.
In California, elders are defined as persons 60 years and older. Under California law, elder abuse can be both criminal and civil. Civil law defines elder abuse as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment resulting in harm, pain or mental suffering to an elder.
Each California County has an Adult Protective Services (APS) agency to help elder adults (60 years and older) and dependent adults (18-59 who are disabled), when these adults are unable to meet their own needs, or are victims of abuse, neglect or exploitation.
Report of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Abuse (SOC 341) Statement Acknowledging Requirement To Report Suspected Abuse Of Dependent Adults And Elders (SOC 341A) Report Of Suspected Dependent Adult/Elder Financial Abuse - For Use By Financial Institutions (SOC 342)
If appropriate, an arrest is made and criminal charges are brought. A trial begins if the prosecutor files charges. A prison sentence of up to 15 years follows upon conviction. Knowingly filing a false claim of elder abuse comes with legal consequences.
Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610.07. Abuse of an elder or a dependent adult. (a) "Abuse of an elder or a dependent adult" means any of the following: (1) Physical abuse, neglect, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment with resulting physical harm or pain or mental suffering.
An elder is a person of age 60 or older. A dependent adult is a person between the ages of 18 and 59 with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities. The full scope of elder and dependent abuse is limited due to the problem's hidden and complex nature.
Criminal Law: California Penal Code Section 368 On the criminal side, the primary law targeting elder abuse is California Penal Code Section 368 (PC 368). This is a wide-ranging law that encompasses physical, financial, and emotional forms of elder abuse and applies to individuals aged 65 or older.