Austin Criminal Lawyer

- Hi my name is David Shapiro.I am a San Diego-based
criminal defense attorney,and today I want
to discuss with youthe charge of elder abuse.Elder abuse is one of those
charges here in California,where it can encompass
a large numberof alleged acts or wrongdoing.Elder abuse could be
a situation where,if you're a caretaker for
someone over a certain age.Like someone in their
late 60's or 70's or so.And you're taking care of them,and even though
there's no allegationsif you physical abuse them,if you financially abuse them.Basically, if there's
allegations that youcommitted identity
fraud or forgery.Basically, if you
commit a crime againstsomeone over a certain agethen you can be charged
with elder abuseon top of the substantive crime.So, say for example you forged
that person's signature.And they're over a certain age,you could also be
charged with forgeryand also elder abuse.There's also elder abuse
in a physical standpoint.If you put your arms, if
you put your hands on,or hurt somebody
or commit a crimeby attempting to hurt
somebody over a certain age.You could get in a fightwith someone who's
over a certain ageand you wind up getting
charged with elder abuseas well as the substantive
offense of batteryor assault by means of forcelikely to cause
great bodily injury.So, elder abuse is
generally prosecuted,at least with the district
attorney's office in San Diego,vertically; what that means isyou'll be dealing with the
same prosecutor throughout.Because there's a special unit
that addresses elder abusehere in San Diego.So, you know, they take
those cases very seriously.They assign their own
prosecutor to themfrom beginning to end.They get a large number of
grant awards from the stateto prosecute heavily because
people take advantageof those who are elderlyor those who are
mentally infirmedand are unable to take
care of themselves,irrespective of their age.And it's definitely
something thatyou should take
seriously as well.And make sure you hire
the right attorney.