ELDER ABUSE TESTIMONY BILL PASSED BY CALIFORNIA SENATE: HELPS LAWYERS PROTECT THE INNOCENT
A new bill protecting the rights of the elderly is awaiting approval by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after having been unanimously passed by the California Senate. The bill, advocating special testimony for elder abuse victims, would authorize the use of two-way video conferencing in the courtroom. Due to poor health, safety or distance, many seniors are unable to appear in court to face their alleged abusers. The new bill offers a new and better way for older adults to be justly represented and served. Elder abuse can be the result of neglect in a nursing home, or physical, emotional, psychological and financial mistreatment. To learn more, visit our elder abuse webpage. If you or a loved one has been the victim of elder abuse in California, call 1-800-ALAWPRO now for your free consultation.
The elder abuse testimony bill, known as AB 1158, provides that if a witness is too infirm or too sick to appear in court for examination, he or she may appear live via 2-way video conferencing. The real-time appearance of elderly witnesses and victims of abuse is a crucial and necessary element in bringing elder abusers to justice. Without senior victim attendance in trials, criminals may go free with the potential to abuse again. The bill “ensures the testimony of victimized seniors against unexpected or unpreventable circumstances.”
To combat the devastating effects of elder abuse, Assemblyman John Benoit created AB 1158. The lawmaker is quoted in the California Chronicle as stating, "Elder abuse is a crime that must be taken very seriously and I’m proud that my colleagues have acted in concert to pass this important legislation. My bill permits the use of already-existing video conferencing technology that will allow elders to seek justice, while respecting the rights of the accused in a criminal trial." Additionally, the California District Attorneys Association, the California Senior Legislature, and the California Alliance for Retired Americans all support the bill.
Have you or a family member been the victim of elder abuse? Let an experienced Law Team defend your rights and seek justice for you now. At the Law Offices of Greenberg & Rudman LLP, we have over 50 years combined experience in serving the needs of the abused and injured in California. Call us now at 1-800-ALAWPRO (1-800-252-9776) for your free and confidential interview. We are here to help you now.
