Experienced Florida Lawyer Fights Charges of Elder Abuse and Neglect

Orlando attorney offers robust defense to serious criminal charges

Elderly people are often victims of abuse, neglect or financial exploitation — particularly in Florida, where many seniors choose to retire. Florida authorities are aggressive in rooting out people suspected of preying on vulnerable elders. If you find yourself facing such charges, The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. can help. Mr. Yates defends clients accused of various crimes against the elderly and disabled adults, including assault, battery, negligence, theft and fraud. He will challenge the evidence against you and work tirelessly and efficiently for the best possible outcome of your case.

Types of elder abuse and neglect offenses in Florida

Florida law defines abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult as any of the following:

  • Intentionally inflicting physical or psychological injury
  • Committing an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury
  • Actively encouraging any person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result in physical or psychological injury
  • Intentionally, and without lawful authority, isolating or restricting access of an elderly person or a disabled adult to family members for any length of time in a way that could cause physical or psychological injury, or with the intention of covering up a crime against the elder or disabled adult

When deliberate abuse does not cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement, the offense is a third-degree felony. When the abuse does cause such injuries, the crime is aggravated abuse, a first-degree felony.

Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to provide for the basic needs of the elder or disabled adult or to protect them from being harmed by another person. Willful negligence that causes great bodily harm, permanent disability or disfigurement is a second-degree felony with a potential prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. When willful negligence does not produce serious injury, the offense is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Financial exploitation of an elderly person or disabled adult in Florida

Under Florida law, exploitation means knowingly obtaining or using, or endeavoring to obtain or use, an elderly person's or disabled adult's funds, assets or property in one of these circumstances:

  • With the intent to temporarily or permanently deprive the elderly person or disabled adult of the use, benefit or possession of the funds, assets or property
  • To benefit someone other than the elderly person or disabled adult, when the alleged offender (1) stands in a position of trust and confidence with the elderly person or disabled adult or (2) has a business relationship with the elderly person or disabled adult

You would be guilty of this offense if you intentionally stole from an elderly person or a disabled adult or, if you were in a position of trust where you could access assets, you converted those assets to your own use. The latter cases generally involve allegations of fraud or embezzlement.

If the property taken is worth $10,000 or more, but less than $50,000, the offense is a second-degree felony, drawing a prison term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to $10,000. If the property is worth less than $10,000, the offense is a third-degree felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Contact a determined criminal law attorney in Orlando for defense to elder abuse crimes

The Law Offices of Tad A. Yates, P.A. provides aggressive criminal defense representation for clients accused of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation in the Orlando area. For reliable counsel, call the firm at 407-608-7777 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.

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Mr. Yates is a past-President of the Orange County Bar Association and the Legal Aid Society of the Orange County Bar Association. He previously served as Chair of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the 9th Judicial Circuit. 

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Testimonials

  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.

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  • Tad is an excellent attorney. Due to a momentary lapse in judgement, I was put in a bad position and could not be more grateful that I hired Tad. From the moment I met Tad, I knew that I was in great hands! Tad explained to me all possible outcomes of the case and really helped put my mind at ease. In the end, I wound up with a very positive outcome and I owe it all to him. Tad was always available when I needed to speak with him and I couldn’t be happier that I hired him. Without the help and guidance of Tad, I’m not sure where I would be today. Tad is not only an amazing attorney, but an all-around great person!

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  • I do not have enough words to describe how amazing the experience with this attorney was. He works very hard to obtain the best results for his clients. I could not have asked for better services. I had exceptional fast results, I highly recommend this attorney. Thank you again, Tad Yates.

  • After consulting with several different highly recommended lawyers, I decided to hire Tad. It was a decision that would truly effect my life in a very profound way. Tad never promised results, he did however layout his experience and give me his word he would put all his effort into my case. I felt that was the honesty I deserved. He was sincere, honest, and reliable. Every time we attended court he seemed to hold a very good relationship with all the court's people. My case with Tad lasted about 9 months. There were many times I wanted to break down, not knowing what the results would ultimately be; however Tad always personalized my case and would constantly provide me with assurance of his efforts. He was always extremely accessible. This gave me a lot of peace. The results of my case ended up being extremely satisfying. I was looking at losing everything, for good. I now have my peace, my freedom, and I am currently very successful. Even after my case, Tad kept tabs with me and ensured I was doing as I should. There is a handful of people God put in my life of whom helped me get to the next level, there is no denying Tad is one of them.

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  • Tad came highly recommended. Set up a consultation and after meeting him, hired him immediately. Tad is extremely knowledgeable, efficient and truly cares. He was always available to speak and support during a very difficult situation. Although he has many clients, he always made us feel important and took the time necessary to ensure our questions were answered and that we were comfortable with strategy and next steps. He ultimately achieved the desired result and we are forever grateful.

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  • When I met Tad Yates, I was frantic, scared and misinformed about the legalities of my case. He quickly reassured me that everything was going to be alright and started at once preparing my defense. Every time I needed to speak with him, he was there to give advice and inform me the status of my case. As a result of his hard work, he managed to get my case dismissed and this blemish off my record. If you’re thinking of hiring or consulting with Mr. Yates, your in great hands.- A.

    I was referred to Tad by a friend of the family. They told me what he did for them and assured me that he would do the same for me. He exceeded my expectations from start to finish. He used his knowledge of the law, professionalism and relationship skills to have my case completely dropped. No plea deals what so ever. He never once doubted me however he did explain exactly what we had to overcome. If you find yourself in a situation that could impact you for the rest of your life, whether you did anything wrong or not I would encourage you to give him a call.

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Ratings & Reviews

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    Strongly recommend Tad Yates as an attorney as well as his office staff, Kathy. They are absolutely on top of their game. Very attentive, astute and courteous. The kindness and understanding shown by their office is incomparable. They have ...
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    — Louis .Tsantes

  • lawyers
    5.0/5.0

    Time spent in any legal process can be stressful. Tad is a great communicator and put me at ease with the process. His knowledge and plan of action where exactly what I needed. I would definitely recommend giving his office a call if you ar...
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    — Client

  • google
    5.0/5.0

    I was highly recommended by a former Circuit Judge in Orlando to contact Mr Yates. He immediately took my call and put me at ease immediately. After his investigation into the matter he agreed to take my case. I never met him in person and ...
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    — Farrell Gordon

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    5.0/5.0

    If you're reading this and you have a case pending, you need to stop immediately and call Tad's office. Take it from someone who has been there, Tad is a consummate professional and highly skilled tactician who will get you the best possibl...
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    — Brenden McDaniels

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    5.0/5.0

    Tad is fantastic. Not only did he get my case dismissed in a timely manner, but he also made himself available over the holidays to provide advice and refer me to another law firm. He truly cares about his clients. I would highly recommend ...
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    — Leah