Things You Must Do If You Are Falsely Accused of Elder Abuse
You’ve spent hours and given up countless opportunities to care for your beloved elderly relatives. It’s shocking to think that you might be accused of elder abuse, but false accusations happen all too often. Whether the accuser means to take advantage of you or is genuinely trying to protect their loved one, there are some things you need to do in the face of the allegations.An Ounce of Prevention
To start with, it’s always a good idea to take steps to prevent these sorts of accusations from being leveled in the first place. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, after all. Usually, these accusations will be based on physical or financial problems that have come up. Doing everything you can to make sure your loved one’s living space is safe and accessible to them, and that they have everything they need can help avoid the former. In the case of the latter, help them understand signs that would indicate that they are being scammed so they can avoid them.The Pen Is Mightier
If, despite your best efforts, you are still facing elder abuse accusations, the next thing you need to do is document everything you can as it relates to the allegations. Receipts, witness statements, steps taken to protect your loved one’s health, and any other proof, information, or details you can think of can be extremely helpful in presenting your case.Reaching for a Helping Hand
While proving intent is a huge part of proving that abuse has happened, it may be easier to do than you might think, even if you had no intentions of the sort. Information can be presented in a light that paints you as a perpetrator, which is why you need the help of an experienced attorney. A good attorney will look through all of the information and documentation you’ve provided and help you put together a solid defense that is more likely to stand up against the false allegations than what you would put together on your own. Being falsely accused of elder abuse can be absolutely devastating, especially after giving your time, money, and efforts towards helping an aging loved one live their best life. You don’t have to go through this tough time alone though. Let us help you navigate your case and create a defense that will help you clear your name. Read this next: What is the Definition of Elder Abuse?
Bradley Corbett
Bradley Corbett is a criminal defense attorney in San Diego. He graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo Utah in 2004. Later he enrolled at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego where he participated in a prestigious internship program with the Los Angeles County Public Defender. Since then he has handled over 2,000 cases.