Allegations of abusing the elderly or the disabled can have serious consequences. The stigma of these charges can have a serious impact on your personal and professional life. If you have been accused of abusing a vulnerable individual, contact a Lubbock vulnerable adults abuse lawyer that can help. A knowledgeable domestic violence attorney can work tirelessly to build a solid defense for you.
Who Qualifies As a Vulnerable Adult
There are two types of vulnerable adults under the penal code. It comes under Section 2204. One is an elderly adult and that is defined as anybody over 65 years old. Anybody over 65, whether they exercise or walk around with a walker, they are going to fit into that category. The other category is individuals with disabilities including:
- Autism
- Spectrum disorders
- Developmental disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities that fit a certain definition
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe emotional disturbances
- Mental illness
The way the statute reads by reason of age, a physical or mental disease, defect or injury is substantially unable to protect the person’s self from harm or to provide food, shelter or medical care for the person themselves. A knowledgeable Lubbock vulnerable adults abuse lawyer can further explain what a vulnerable adult is, as well as explaining the legislation surrounding a vulnerable adults abuse charge.
Examples of Abuse of a Vulnerable Adult
Generally speaking, if a person was the cause of the bodily injuries, such as serious bodily injury, mental impairment or sexual assault, those all constitute vulnerable adult abuse. There are two categories of people that can be charged with abuse in these cases: family members and caretakers.
For instance, there are many things a person can be charged with if they are in that second category and the person is supposed to be caring for them. The accused is not an owner or an operator of a group home or nursing facility or something like that. However, people that are owners or operators or employees of group homes in nursing facilities are in another category of people that can do harm because in their case, they are specifically charged with providing food and shelter and medical care for vulnerable people.
Contacting a Vulnerable Adults Abuse Lawyer
It can be difficult for a person to know how that police officer is going to interpret what they are saying, and what a person might say that will be used against them later in the trial. Despite innocent intentions or general innocence, a person’s words could be used against them during their trial.
That is why you should find competent legal assistance so that they can begin to assert your defense. Our Attorneys can help you assure that you do not do anything that contradicts your defense. In conclusion, work with a skilled Lubbock vulnerable adults abuse lawyer. We can devote the time and resources necessary to advocate for you.