Citing an increase in abuse of senior citizens, state House Michigan Democrats unveiled recent legislation to increase penalties for those who financially exploit and elderly abuse vulnerable adults.
"Elderly abuse is a reprehensible act", says California Elder Law and Abuse attorney Steven C. Peck
The legislation would increase penalties for financially exploiting vulnerable adults, who in most cases are seniors, making it punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater.
It also prohibits perpetrators from inheriting from the victim's estate.
The bill, which has yet to be voted on by the House, is designed to address what authorities say is a rise in those who exploit or steal from elderly family members. The crime has increased, officials say, as financial pressures in households have risen in the faltering state economy.
"Elders are often are targeted because of diminished mental capacity or because health issues require them to rely on family members to make purchases and bank for them", says Peck
To ease the reporting process, the proposed legislation includes provisions allowing a third party, such as another family member, to file a criminal complaint of financial exploitation on behalf of the vulnerable adult. Bank tellers also would be required to report suspected abuse to authorities.
Contact Steven Peck's Premier Legal toll free at 1-866-999-9085 to talk to an experienced elder law attorney.
