Elderly Financial Exploitation Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale

Elder neglect, abuse, and financial exploitation have seen an increase in South Florida nursing homes, senior care facilities, and among in-home caregivers. Therefore, our firm is committed to preserving and safeguarding our clients' personal rights by leveraging our comprehensive legal expertise to combat cases involving elderly exploitation in Fort Lauderdale, FL. South Florida authorities are unwavering in their pursuit of individuals suspected of preying on vulnerable elders, and The Law Offices of Daniel Rosenberg is here to assist if you or a loved one faces similar charges. Our accomplished elder financial exploitation defense attorney represents clients accused of crimes against the elderly and disabled individuals, including assault, battery, neglect, theft, and fraud.

Many allegations of financial exploitation of the elderly stem from disputes between family members or caregivers over the management of an elderly person's income, bank accounts, and other assets.

Florida Statute 825.103, titled "exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult," has made it easier for prosecutors to convict those who target the elderly while increasing the penalties that may be imposed upon conviction.

The most common indicators of elder financial abuse become evident when:

• Checks or bank statements are made payable to the perpetrator.
• Fraudulent legal documents or checks are discovered.
• Large bank withdrawals or account transfers occur.
• Items or property go missing.
• Mood swings, such as depression or anxiety, are observed.
• Alterations are made to an elderly person's will or power of attorney.
• The elderly person signs contracts they do not comprehend.
• Eviction notices and unpaid bills accumulate.
• Utilities are disconnected due to unpaid bills.
• Unexplained withdrawals are made that the elderly person could not have made.
  

Abuse and neglect of the elderly constitute serious felony offenses in Florida. If there is no bodily harm to the victim, the crime is categorized as a third-degree felony. When the victim has endured physical harm or sustained permanent deformity, the crime escalates to a first-degree felony.

Willful theft from an elderly person or a disabled adult, or exploitation of trust to access their assets, is deemed a third-degree felony. In most cases, elder abuse allegations in Florida involve fraud or embezzlement.

If the seized property's value ranges from $10,000 to less than $50,000, the offense is considered a second-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. When the property's value is less than $10,000, the offense is classified as a third-degree felony, subjecting the offender to a maximum of five years in jail and a $5,000 fine.