If you have elderly or disabled relatives or if you work as a caregiver, you could come under suspicion of abusing those under your care. Although you may act in the best interest of a vulnerable adult, you might still be accused of abusing that person.
Showing the truth of the matter protects you, your reputation in your family, profession, and community, as well as the adults in your charge. If you face accusations of abuse, you should reach out to a Boynton Beach vulnerable adult abuse Lawyer from Leifert & Leifert to begin your Defense as soon as possible. One of our experienced defense Attorneys can review your case and advise you of your options.
How Vulnerable Adult Abuse Is Defined
Vulnerable adults, whether elderly or disabled physically or psychologically, are those that are unable to protect themselves or articulate if they are being harmed. As a result, others looking at a relationship from the outside might think that abuse is taking place.
Abuse includes intentional acts to cause harm as well as actions that can be reasonably expected to cause harm to a vulnerable adult, as detailed by Florida Statutes § 825.102. Abuse can also take the specific form of restricting access by family members or isolating an adult with the intent to cause harm or conceal illegal activities. Isolation might be legal, however, if done to protect a vulnerable adult from other suspected abusers, so intent factors into whether an action is a crime.
Abuse requires some injury to have taken place, and harsh abuse can rise to aggravated abuse. The latter can occur if abuse results in great bodily harm or involves torturing, punishing, or caging a vulnerable adult.
State law seeks to punish such abuse precisely because vulnerable adults might not be able to defend themselves. The penalties for these crimes can be severe, so you should contact a Boynton Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer to defend against charges of vulnerable adult abuse.
The Penalties for Abuse and How To Defend Yourself
Abuse on its own can be charged as a third-degree Felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Aggravated abuse, on the other hand, is a first-degree Felony with more severe penalties: up to 30 years in prison and a maximum fine of $10,000 under Florida Statutes § 775.082 and § 775.083.
Charging these crimes requires a level of intent beyond accidental mistreatment (which could be the separate crime of neglect under the same statutes). You must knowingly and willfully commit abuse to be convicted, a fact that the Prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt in Court.
A Leifert & Leifert Defense Attorney takes an active role in fighting on behalf of your freedom and rights. For example, a Lawyer can ensure that the Prosecution follows the rules for obtaining and presenting evidence, such as the Fourth Amendment’s protections against unreasonable search and seizure and the Fifth Amendment’s refuge against interrogating you without advising you of your rights.
If you are accused of vulnerable adult abuse in Boynton Beach, craft a robust defense by moving quickly and retaining one of our Lawyers. A Leifert & Leifert Attorney is ready to support you and get the best results possible.
Get in Touch With a Vulnerable Adult Abuse Attorney in Boynton Beach
Once you are accused of this type of offense, protecting yourself from criminal charges should be your priority, and you will need the aid of a Defense Attorney to achieve the best possible outcome. Contacting a Boynton Beach vulnerable adult abuse lawyer as soon as possible can help you avoid the worst criminal penalties and protect your reputation.
One of our Lawyers at Leifert & Leifert can conduct a free consultation and review your case so you can get started on your Defense right away. Contact our offices to schedule an appointment today.
