In Weld County, if you have been accused of a criminal act against an At-Risk Adult (elderly or under a physical or mental health disability) you will need a top Greeley attorney to defend you. Crimes against At Risk Adults are subject to harsher penalties dependent on the severity of the crime. In Denver recently, an 87-year-old woman was attacked while walking and seriously injured. The accused man attacked the woman unprovoked and then rode away on a bicycle. Due to the age of the victim, it would be considered and charged as a crime against an At-Risk Adult. Read below to understand more about these charges and how the penalties can affect your case.
What is the Definition of an At-Risk Person under C.R.S. 18-6.5-102 in Greeley, Colorado?
In Greeley, Colorado, the definition of At-Risk is found under C.R.S. 18-6.5-102, and includes:
Is important to note that a disability is the inability to uses a hand or foot, permanent loss of vision, inability to see, hear or speak, cannot breathe without medical assistance, or someone who has a mental health impairment, or mental impairment.
In the story above, if the man was caught and convicted, he could face more severe penalties because the woman would be considered an At-Risk Adult.
What are Examples of Crimes Against At-Risk Adult or At-Risk Juvenile in Weld County?
When a crime is committed against an At-Risk Adult or At-Risk Juvenile, in Weld County, it is subject to more severe penalties. Some examples of crimes that are subject to harsher penalties apply to:
- Assault
- Robbery
- Theft
- Caretaker Neglect
- Sexual Assault
- Criminal Exploitation
What are the Penalties for Crimes Against an At-Risk Adult in Greeley, Colorado?
The penalties and sentence for a conviction of a crime depend on a few factors. These factors include but are not limited to; the value of the theft or robbery, whether crime was committed in the heat of the moment, the crimes was committed by a person of trust, or whether the act was committed knowingly. The general rules is that for a crime against an At Risk Adult, the class of crime is increased by one. This is a significant bump in the potential prison sentence. Here are some examples:
* A class 4 felony crime is punished as a class 3 felony
* A class 3 felony is punished as a class 2 felony.
* A class one misdemeanor is charged and punished as a class 6 felony.
How Do You Defend Against a Charge of a Crime Against an At-Risk Adult?
Defenses to charges of a crime against an At-Risk Adult usually involves defenses to the specific crime charged, since the basic elements are the same. Additional defenses can be:
- The act was not committed knowingly
- The act was an accident
- Self-defense
- You weren’t the caregiver
When facing serious penalties like county jail or prison, you need an experienced lawyer who understands the court system and can get you the best possible outcome.
If you or someone you love has been charged with a crime against an At-Risk person, our best advice is to be smart and exercise your right to remain silent.The Greeley Police Department and Weld County Sheriff are not your there to help you. Contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to set up your free consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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