Penalty for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult that results in great bodily injury?

Penalty for abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult that results in great bodily injury?

• A. Felony, 10 years
• B. Misdemeanor, 3 years
• C. Felony, 20 years
• D. Felony, 15 years

Answer: (D)

Causing great bodily injury to a vulnerable adult through abuse or neglect is treated as a serious felony because the victim is particularly at risk and the harm is substantial. The penalty is set to reflect both the need to deter such harm and to protect vulnerable populations. A 15-year felony fits this level of harm in many statutes, making it the best match for the scenario. A misdemeanor is too light since great bodily injury occurred, and a 20-year term would typically apply to more aggravated circumstances or different statutory definitions.

Causing great bodily injury to a vulnerable adult through abuse or neglect is treated as a serious felony because the victim is particularly at risk and the harm is substantial. The penalty is set to reflect both the need to deter such harm and to protect vulnerable populations. A 15-year felony fits this level of harm in many statutes, making it the best match for the scenario. A misdemeanor is too light since great bodily injury occurred, and a 20-year term would typically apply to more aggravated circumstances or different statutory definitions.