Is Elder Abuse a Crime? Criminal Charges, Federal Laws, Penalties & Legal Options Explained
February 10, 2026
Is Elder Abuse a Crime? Criminal Charges, Federal Laws, Penalties & Legal Options Explained
Yes. Abusing or neglecting an older person can be a crime under state law, charged as a misdemeanor or as a felony, and federal law reaches some of it as well. This page gives the law of California, Texas and Washington in the codes' own terms, and says what a family can do. This is general information and not legal…






