By Steven G. Mehta
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed a bill by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, that increases elder abuse penalties. When it takes effect Jan. 1, 2010, Senate Bill 18 will increase California fines from $6,000 to $10,000 for those found guilty of placing an elder or dependent adult in situations where great bodily harm or death is likely. In addition, the new law will increase fines from $2,000 to $5,000 for those found guilty of placing an elder or dependent adult in dangerous situations not likely to cause death or serious bodily injury. SB 18 is aimed at protecting those ages 65 and older. It does not change sentencing guidelines for elder abusers who are imprisoned for their actions. “California’s senior citizens and their families will rest easier knowing that my new law will help protect them from abuse,” Oropeza said in a statement. “Elder abuse for far too long has been a hidden, pervasive and deadly crime where out of 5 million recent cases, a shocking 84 percent went unreported.” SB 18 was endorsed by the California District Attorneys Association, the California State Sheriffs Association, the California Commission on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association.
Source: Press Telegram
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August 17, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Louis F Juarz
Hello,
I”m glad there are laws to protect elderly abuse. There are too many elderly people who keeps getting abused by whoever takes care of them.
To me this type of people should pay with jail and a large fine for being so mean and not having compassion for other human beings in need of help.
I can imagine can frustrated must be for an elderly person who’s getting abuse and the person has no hope to change things. It is pretty sad.
I wish I could help this people. We eventually after many years are going to be elder and would be terrible if you, me or any of the new generation’s future is to have this problem.
That’s why I”m glad you’re working in protect elderly people. God Bless you for your excellent job you’re doing and I’m glad are people like you who cares about others.
Thanks a lot