Facing criminal charges for alleged elder abuse can be frightening and confusing. In California, accusations of mistreating or exploiting a vulnerable senior carry serious penalties, including fines, probation, or even state prison. If you have been arrested or investigated for elder abuse, you need a defense lawyer who understands both the criminal process and the unique sensitivities of these cases.
At Perliss Law Firm, our attorneys provide free, confidential consultations in English and Mandarin. We guide clients through every phase of criminal defense, from pre-arraignment investigations to trial and appeal. We fight to protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you, and work toward the best possible resolution.
Elder abuse defense is a specialized area of criminal law that focuses on representing individuals accused of harming or neglecting seniors. If you have been charged with elder abuse in San Gabriel, you face serious allegations that carry heavy penalties, including fines, probation, or state prison.
At Perliss Law Firm, our defense attorneys understand the complexities of California’s elder abuse statutes and the sensitive nature of these cases. We provide clear guidance on your rights, potential defenses, and the best path forward.
Facing an elder abuse charge can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing for you and your family. The accusations often involve detailed investigations into personal and financial matters, making it crucial to work with a local defense lawyer who is familiar with both state law and local court practices. By enlisting skilled representation, you can ensure that every procedural deadline is met, evidence is challenged effectively, and your side of the story is heard.
With Perliss Law Firm on your side, you gain a dedicated advocate committed to protecting your freedom and reputation.
When you face elder abuse allegations, understanding the specific charges against you is the first step in mounting an effective defense. California law defines several distinct categories of elder abuse, each carrying its own elements and potential penalties. Your defense strategy will depend on the nature of the alleged conduct, the available evidence, and the applicable legal standards.
Hitting, slapping, pushing, or improperly using restraints can cause bruises, fractures, or other injuries.
Verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation inflict mental suffering and erode an elder’s sense of security.
Unauthorized access to bank accounts, forging signatures, or coercing an elder into signing documents for personal gain depletes life savings and retirement funds.
Failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, or medical care can lead to malnutrition, infections, bedsores, and other serious health issues.
Non-consensual touching or sexual acts cause both physical injury and profound emotional trauma.
Deserting an elder who relies on a caregiver for basic needs leaves them vulnerable to injury, illness, or neglect.
An experienced defense attorney will analyze police reports, medical records, and witness statements to challenge the prosecution’s case. By identifying weaknesses in the evidence and asserting constitutional protections, your lawyer can build a tailored defense strategy to protect your rights and reputation.
If you work or volunteer in an assisted living facility and face allegations of elder abuse or neglect, you need a robust defense tailored to your situation. Charges can range from physical harm to failing to meet basic care standards, and convictions carry severe consequences, including loss of professional license, fines, probation or state prison.
Common facility-related allegations include:
Accusations of hitting, restraining, or forcefully moving residents in a way that causes injury.
Claims that verbal threats, intimidation or repeated humiliation took place on the premises.
Allegations of failing to provide adequate food, hygiene, medication or supervision, leading to resident harm.
Claims that poorly maintained facilities, inadequate staffing or lack of emergency protocols contributed to resident injuries.
Accusations of misusing an elder’s funds or property while acting in a caregiving role.
Defending these charges requires challenging the factual and legal basis of the prosecution’s case. Your attorney will:
Review staffing records, incident reports and training logs to verify compliance with care standards.
Interview facility staff, residents and outside witnesses to identify inconsistencies in allegations.
Analyze medical and supervision records to show that any resident injuries were not caused by wrongdoing.
File motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or evidence gathered without proper procedure.
Negotiate with prosecutors to seek reduced charges, diversion programs or dismissal based on lack of intent or reasonable care.
Facing assisted living facility abuse charges can be overwhelming. A criminal defense attorney with expertise in elder law will protect your rights, challenge the evidence against you and pursue the best possible outcome. Contact Perliss Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation in English or Mandarin and learn how we can defend your reputation and career.
Elder abuse charges in California can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies, depending on the severity of the conduct and the harm caused. Conviction not only carries criminal punishment but can also trigger professional consequences and civil liability. Understanding the potential penalties is essential for building a strong defense strategy.
Under Penal Code section 368(a), you face up to one year in county jail and fines up to six thousand dollars if the abuse caused physical or emotional harm without great bodily injury.
If charged under Penal Code section 368(b), you can receive two to five years in state prison and fines up to ten thousand dollars when the abuse results in significant injury or involves a position of trust.
When the abuse causes great bodily injury, Penal Code section 368(c) provides for three to six years in state prison and higher fines.
Courts often require restitution, meaning you must repay victims for medical bills, therapy, and other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the abuse.
A conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, such as nursing or caregiving credentials.
Beyond criminal penalties, victims may file civil suits for damages, exposing you to additional financial liability.
Because elder abuse statutes allow prosecutors broad discretion, and because sentencing enhancements may apply for especially vulnerable victims, early intervention by a skilled defense attorney is crucial to minimize exposure and protect your rights.
Because elder abuse statutes allow prosecutors broad discretion, and because sentencing enhancements may apply for especially vulnerable victims, early intervention by a skilled defense attorney is crucial to minimize exposure and protect your rights.
You can discuss your charges and defense options at no cost.
We provide clear communication in both English and Mandarin.
Familiarity with San Gabriel courts and prosecutors helps us anticipate tactics and deadlines.
We act quickly to challenge improper investigations, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and secure favorable bail conditions.
Your attorney develops a customized plan, whether that means negotiating reduced charges, seeking diversion programs or preparing for trial.
We file motions to dismiss defective charges and exclude evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.
If your case goes to trial, we present persuasive arguments, cross-examine witnesses and protect your right to a fair process.
We explain all costs and payment options upfront so there are no surprises.
Choosing Perliss Law Firm means partnering with a dedicated defense team that stands by your side at every stage, from arraignment through appeal, to secure the best possible outcome.
If you have been charged with elder abuse, do not delay in securing experienced criminal defense. Research your attorney carefully to ensure they have the skills and integrity to protect your rights.
Perliss Law Firm offers free, confidential consultations in both English and Mandarin to review your charges and outline your defense options. We represent clients throughout San Gabriel, Los Angeles County, and Riverside County. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can provide you with dedicated advocacy that safeguards your freedom and reputation.