Elder Abuse Defense Attorney in San Gabriel, CA

Attorney Jonathon Perliss
Written By
Jonathon Perliss

Elder Abuse Defense

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.

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Introduction to Elder Abuse Defense Law

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.

Common Types of Elder Abuse Charges

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.

Physical Abuse –

Hitting, slapping, pushing, or improperly using restraints can cause bruises, fractures, or other injuries.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse –

Verbal assaults, threats, humiliation, or isolation inflict mental suffering and erode an elder’s sense of security.

Financial Exploitation –

Unauthorized access to bank accounts, forging signatures, or coercing an elder into signing documents for personal gain depletes life savings and retirement funds.

Neglect –

Failing to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, hygiene, or medical care can lead to malnutrition, infections, bedsores, and other serious health issues.

Sexual Abuse –

Non-consensual touching or sexual acts cause both physical injury and profound emotional trauma.

Abandonment –

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.

Assisted Living Facility Elder Abuse Charges
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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:

Physical Harm:

Accusations of hitting, restraining, or forcefully moving residents in a way that causes injury.

Emotional Abuse:

Claims that verbal threats, intimidation or repeated humiliation took place on the premises.

Neglect:

Allegations of failing to provide adequate food, hygiene, medication or supervision, leading to resident harm.

Unsafe Environment:

Claims that poorly maintained facilities, inadequate staffing or lack of emergency protocols contributed to resident injuries.

Financial Exploitation:

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:

1

Review staffing records, incident reports and training logs to verify compliance with care standards.

2

Interview facility staff, residents and outside witnesses to identify inconsistencies in allegations.

3

Analyze medical and supervision records to show that any resident injuries were not caused by wrongdoing.

4

File motions to suppress improperly obtained statements or evidence gathered without proper procedure.

5

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.

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Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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A Legacy of Amazing Results

CONSPIRACY & BANK ROBBERY
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
The Santa Monica branch of a major bank was robbed at gunpoint. My client worked at the bank and was charged with setting up the crime, meeting with the accomplice and teaching him how, when and where to do the robbery, and giving him the gun. My client was facing over fifteen years in prison.
DRUNK DRIVING
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client was prosecuted for driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit. The defense maintained the police did not comply with their regulations when they administered the breath test without waiting the requisite fifteen minutes after initial detention.
KIDNAPPING-ROBBERY
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client was arrested while sitting in a van wearing a ski mask. There were two women tied up in the back of the van. Jewelry from the women's house was found in my client's pocket and a gun was found underneath his seat.
MURDER
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client was charged with first-degree murder after witnesses allegedly saw him shoot the victim. There was evidence that the victim and my client had an argument earlier that day. The defense was mistaken identity. He was facing life in prison.
PETTY THEFT/SHOPLIFTING
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client exited a large department store carrying a bag of stolen merchandise. He was detained by security five feet outside the store, but still inside the larger shopping mall. He claimed he panicked when he realized that his small children were missing, and he went searching for them. The children were found inside the Mall's pet shop. The prosecutor argued that my client planned the incident.
SPOUSAL ABUSE
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client, a police officer, was accused of pummeling his wife with his fists. The wife immediately went to the local police department to report the crime and gave a lengthy videotaped statement. My client claimed that the wife was very angry at him for what she believed was his cheating on her and she fabricated the crime.
PROSTITUTION
Not Guilty, Jury Trial
My client was charged with agreeing to a sex act with an undercover police officer. The defense was that the officer exaggerated the conversation and the client never agreed to the act.
GRAND THEFT
HUNG JURY, DISMISSED
My client was charged with first-degree murder after witnesses allegedly saw him shoot the victim. There was evidence that the victim and my client had an argument earlier that day. The defense was mistaken identity. He was facing life in prison.

Penalties for Elder Abuse Charges in California

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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.

1
Misdemeanor Elder Abuse –

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.

2
Felony Elder Abuse –

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.

3
Aggravated Felony with Great Bodily Injury –

When the abuse causes great bodily injury, Penal Code section 368(c) provides for three to six years in state prison and higher fines.

4
Restitution Orders –

Courts often require restitution, meaning you must repay victims for medical bills, therapy, and other out-of-pocket expenses resulting from the abuse.

5
Professional Discipline –

A conviction can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses, such as nursing or caregiving credentials.

6
Civil Lawsuits –

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.

Why Choose Perliss Law Firm

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.

Free, Confidential Consultation –

You can discuss your charges and defense options at no cost.

Bilingual Defense –

We provide clear communication in both English and Mandarin.

Local Court Knowledge –

Familiarity with San Gabriel courts and prosecutors helps us anticipate tactics and deadlines.

Early Intervention –

We act quickly to challenge improper investigations, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence and secure favorable bail conditions.

Tailored Defense Strategy –

Your attorney develops a customized plan, whether that means negotiating reduced charges, seeking diversion programs or preparing for trial.

Strong Motion Practice –

We file motions to dismiss defective charges and exclude evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights.

Skilled Trial Advocacy –

If your case goes to trial, we present persuasive arguments, cross-examine witnesses and protect your right to a fair process.

Transparent Fees –

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.

Contact Perliss Law Firm for a Free Consultation
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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.

Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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Schedule a
Free Consultation

Office Hours - Mon-Fri: 9:30am to 5pm
Legal Disclaimer

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The Perliss Law Firm team is licensed to practice law in California. We invite you to contact us, but please be aware that contacting us does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.

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