Elder abuse doesn’t just include physical harm, or constant neglect – it also applies to financial crimes, such as stolen cash, jewelry, or a ploy to steal retirement funds. This is a serious offense in California, with a severe penalty for elder financial abuse if prosecuted by the District Attorney’s Office as a felony. 

Gain a better understanding of the penalty for elder financial abuse in California, and don’t hesitate to call Gokal Law Group, Inc. if an elderly loved one has been a victim of elder financial abuse. 

 

Crimes Related to Elder Financial Abuse

Elder financial abuse is a financial crime against someone age 65 or older; it can also apply to a dependent adult between ages 18 and 64. It can happen in a number of ways, including via financial crimes under the California Penal Code. Such crimes include stealing, fraud, embezzlement, and identity theft.  It can range from taking cash and checks from an elder’s wallet to coercing them into signing over their retirement accounts. 

Since older, dependent adults can be more vulnerable to exploitation than other age groups, elder financial abuse is a serious crime in the state of California. In fact, in accordance with California’s Three Strikes rule, a felony elder financial abuse can land offenders in prison for 25 years to life. 

 

What’s the Penalty for Elder Financial Abuse?

Elder financial abuse can be charged in two ways: as a felony, or as a misdemeanor. If charged as a misdemeanor, the penalty for elder financial abuse can include 364 days in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If charged as a felony, penalties can include between two and four years in state prison, plus a fine of up to $10,000. 

Furthermore, felony elder financial abuse is a crime under California’s Three Strikes law, as long as the crime committed qualifies as a burglary. In other words, if the culprit already has two serious felonies on their record, they could receive a prison sentence of 25 years to life after breaching elder abuse laws.

 

Protect Your Loved One’s Assets with Gokal Law

If you feel that you or a loved one has been a victim of elder financial abuse, it could be time to contact an Orange County trust attorney to claim your recompense. Seeing as this is a serious crime in the state of California, the penalty for elder financial abuse is similarly severe. Gokal Law Group is your go-to law firm for help navigating trust litigation, estate administration, and cases of elder abuse. We hold a track record of successful judgments and settlements, especially when confronted with highly combative estate disputes. When you consult us, you can rest easy knowing our attorneys are tried and tested in helping trustees administer their estates and trusts, as well as litigation if negligence or self-dealing is at play. 

Each attorney has a specific practice area for which they are tried, tested, and battle-ready. Each has vast years of experience in their practice area, providing them the knowledge, skills, and vision to fight and win. Learn more about Gokal Law Group, and reach out to our offices for assistance in enforcing or invalidating changes to trusts.

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