Elder Abuse Fearless Defense Backed by 20+ Years of Experience

Sacramento Elder Abuse Defense Attorney

Fighting for the Accused Across Sacramento County, CA

California Penal Code § 368 PC makes it a crime to cause any form of mistreatment or neglect to an adult aged 65 or older. This can occur in different settings, including the person’s home, nursing homes, or other care facilities. California law recognizes several types of elder abuse, including physical, emotional, and financial. 

Elder abuse can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances. Either way, you will need an experienced defense lawyer to navigate the criminal justice system. At Law Office of Mathew Martinez, Attorney Martinez puts extensive professional experience on your side. As a former prosecutor, he understands how the other side will work to gain a conviction; he can be equally aggressive, knowledgeable, and skilled in developing a defense strategy based on the circumstances of your case. 

If you are under investigation for this offense, he can protect your rights to help you avoid making errors that could be used against you. The sooner you retain his services, the more time he has to meticulously investigate your case and craft a defense to fight for an optimum outcome. 

Request a free case review with our Sacramento elder abuse defense lawyer at Law Office of Mathew Martinez by phone at (916) 318-5142 or by email via our contact form. Hablamos español. 

Elder Abuse Charges in Sacramento

California recognizes different forms of elder abuse, such as: 

  • Physical: Hitting, slapping, or using excessive force, leading to bruises, fractures, or other injuries. Also, restraining a person inappropriately, such as tying them to a bed or chair.
  • Emotional: Verbal assaults, threats, or harassment that cause emotional pain or distress or isolation from friends, family, or activities they enjoy.
  • Financial: Illegally or improperly using the person’s funds, property, or assets, such as forging signatures or coercing them into changing a will. This abuse can also include scams, like fraudulent investment schemes or fake charities.
  • Neglect: Failing to provide necessary care, including food, water, shelter, or medical attention, leading to malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated health conditions. Ignoring the person’s hygiene needs can also result in poor living conditions.

Misdemeanor Elder Abuse & Its Penalties

Misdemeanor elder abuse typically involves situations where the abuse does not result in significant bodily harm or where limited financial exploitation has been alleged. In California, penalties for misdemeanor elder abuse can include up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, and mandatory restitution to the victim. These charges are often applied in less severe cases, but the consequences still significantly impact the accused's life.

Felony Elder Abuse & Its Penalties

Felony elder abuse charges are reserved for acts that result in serious physical injury, extensive financial damage, or show patterns of repeated abuse. Convictions can lead to harsh penalties, including two to four years in state prison, substantial fines, and a felony criminal record. The extent of the injury, aggravating factors, and your criminal history can influence whether the case is prosecuted as a felony.

What Sets Us Apart

  • Free Consultations
    We believe everyone deserves access to quality legal guidance, which is why we offer free consultations.
  • Trial-Tested Representation
    With more than 60 jury trials under his belt, Attorney Martinez brings unmatched experience to every case, ensuring you're represented by a seasoned professional.
  • Strategic Approach
    We believe in fighting for our clients with unwavering dedication and providing clear, strategic guidance every step of the way.
  • Aggressive, Experienced Defense
    With 20+ years of experience, including 13 as a prosecutor, Attorney Martinez is known for his relentless, aggressive defense.
Put a Seasoned Trial Attorney on Your Side Decades of Proven Defense
With hundreds of hearings and over 20 years of experience, we know how to protect your rights. Contact us to discuss your case today.

Who Prosecutes Elder Abuse Crimes in Sacramento?

Elder abuse cases are prosecuted by the District Attorney's Office, which is responsible for filing charges and presenting the case in court. In Sacramento, the Sexual and Elder Abuse Bureau is a specialized division within the District Attorney’s Office that focuses on investigating and prosecuting elder abuse offenses. 

The Bureau uses trained investigators to handle the complexities of these matters. They work closely with law enforcement agencies to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build strong cases. Prosecutors in this bureau have specialized knowledge and experience in elder abuse laws and are skilled in handling them. 

You will need an equally tough and thorough defense attorney who can analyze evidence, uncover flaws and discrepancies, negotiate with these prosecutors, or rely on trial skills to assist you. Attorney Martinez has the experience and insight you need in elder abuse representation that can make a difference in your case. 

Learn more about your case and how we can help by contacting us at (916) 318-5142 to consult our Sacramento elder abuse defense lawyer today. 

    “Straight, honest and concise.”
    Matthew is a great lawyer who understands his client's needs. Took me on when everyone was trying to bring me down. Did not give embellished ideas. Was straight, honest and concise. You can not go wrong Matthew. Thank you sir if I could give you a hundred stars I would.
    David M.
    “I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.”

    I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez. He did everything he could to successfully represent me in court, and consequently, I was able to walk charge free due to Mr. Martinez's persistence. He is incredibly professional and dedicated, and as such, I highly recommend attorney Mathew Martinez.

    Azul A.
    “Matthew and his team are absolutely the way to go period.”
    “I myself have worked in legal services for over a decade with my own profession licenses and I rarely if ever come across an individual with his level of caring, attention to detail, and expertise.”
    Jeffrey H.
    “Highly recommend.”
    “His experience as a DA puts him ahead of all others. He is a good honest attorney that can be trusted.”
    Dawn S.
    “Honest, hardworking and responsive.”
    I would recommend Matt to anyone without hesitation. He went above and beyond to help me in a time of need, ease my nerves about the process and work professionally.
    Timothy M.
    “Honest & reliable.”
    “I wish there was option to give Mathew more than five stars because he truly deserves it.”
    Lala G.

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