Defense for Injury of an Elderly Individual in Austin, Georgetown, and Temple, TX
Most people don’t understand the Texas Penal Code (Section 22.04) and what it means when it comes to the injury of a child, elderly, or disabled individual in Texas. The frequency of elder assault accusations is on the rise, but not all of the accusations are reasonable or accurate. As your attorney, I can help you understand how and why you have been accused of injury to a child, elderly individual, or disabled individual, and how to best defend your case as we move forward.
Penalties of Injury to an Elderly Individual Convictions in Texas
Elder abuse in Texas can be charged as a felony or a misdemeanor depending on the extent of the conduct and severity of the injury caused.
A Class A misdemeanor charge of elder abuse could be threats that do not cause bodily injury and could be punished with up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Felony charges begin when the abuse causes bodily injury. Depending on the extent of the abuse and the injury it caused, the charge can be anything from a third to a first-degree felony charge of elder abuse. This wide range of felony charges comes with a range of punishments, including 2 to 99 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.
As your elder abuse defense lawyer, I can help you gain credibility in court and help you fight your case.
Defending Against Elder Abuse Accusations
A false accusation can affect every aspect of your life. If you have been charged with elder abuse common defenses to attempt to have the case dropped or to help you receive a not guilty verdict include
- False charges – People may accidentally or purposefully make an accusation without having the full facts. If we can prove that you did not commit the act in question, it’s impossible for the prosecution to win.
- Lack of intent – The prosecutor must show that you meant to cause harm or did not follow the practices of ordinary care when caring for the elder. If the elder was injured through no fault of your own, you should face no criminal consequences.
- Lack of evidence – You are innocent until the prosecution can prove, without a reasonable doubt, that you are guilty. Rumors, fragments of information, and half-truths are not enough to find you guilty of a crime. Sometimes the best defense is showing that the prosecution is lacking necessary evidence to support the accusation.
If you have been charged with injury to an elderly individual in Texas, the best thing you can do is to say nothing to anyone about the case and call me. When you contact me, you’ll find out how I can help your injury to an elderly individual case as a defense attorney at a price that works for you. I defend cases in Austin, Travis County, Williamson County, Bell, and surrounding counties.