(a) It shall be unlawful for any person to abuse, neglect, exploit, or emotionally abuse any protected person. For purposes of this section, residence in a nursing home, mental institution, developmental center for people with an intellectual disability, or other convalescent care facility shall be prima facie evidence that a person is a protected person. Charges of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or emotional abuse may be initiated upon complaints of private individuals, as a result of investigations by social service agencies, or on the direct initiative of law enforcement officials.
Attorney's Note
Under the Alabama Code, punishments for crimes depend on the classification. In the case of this section:
| Class | Prison | Fine |
|---|
| Class C felony | 1 to 10 years | up to $15,000 |
| Class A misdemeanor | up to 1 year | up to $6,000 |
| Violation | up to 30 days | up to $200 |
For details, see
Ala. Code § 13A-5-6 and
Ala. Code § 13A-5-7Terms Used In Alabama Code 38-9-7
- Acquittal:
- Judgement that a criminal defendant has not been proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- A verdict of "not guilty."
- Assets: (1) The property comprising the estate of a deceased person, or (2) the property in a trust account.
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
- person: includes a corporation as well as a natural person. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
- property: includes both real and personal property. See Alabama Code 1-1-1
- Statute: A law passed by a legislature.
