Elder Abuse Charges in California (PC 368)
Elder Abuse under California Penal Code §368 (PC 368) is a serious criminal charge involving the mistreatment, neglect, or exploitation of an individual who is 65 years or older or a dependent adult who cannot care for themselves. When someone is arrested on suspicion of elder abuse, families often face confusion, emotional stress, and an urgent need to secure bail quickly.
If someone you care for is arrested for alleged elder abuse, read this overview for what PC 368 means, what bail may involve, and how we can help.
We’re available 24 hours a day locally at (661) 299-BAIL (2245) or toll-free, 855-728-2245. You can also contact us at one of the local numbers closest to you!
SCV Bail Bonds is here to help guide you through the process and get your loved one home as fast as possible.
Understanding Elder Abuse Charges in California
What is Elder Abuse Under PC 368?
California law defines elder abuse broadly. A person may be arrested for elder abuse if they are suspected of intentionally causing harm, placing an elder in dangerous conditions, or taking advantage of an elder financially or emotionally.
Elder abuse can include:
- Physical abuse: inflicting pain, injury, or unreasonable force
- Neglect or endangerment: failing to provide necessary care or exposing an elder to harm
- Emotional abuse: threats, intimidation, humiliation, or mental suffering
- Financial abuse: taking money, property, or assets through fraud, coercion, or undue influence
Because elder abuse can involve many different types of conduct, the charge may be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances.
California Penal Code 368 — Misdemeanor vs. Felony:
Misdemeanor Elder Abuse:
A person may be charged with a misdemeanor if the alleged conduct involves less serious harm, minor injury, or behavior that does not create a high risk of great bodily injury or death.
Misdemeanor consequences can include:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Fines
- Mandatory classes or counseling ordered by the court
- Probation
Felony Elder Abuse:
Usually involves more serious allegations such as:
- Actions likely to produce great bodily injury
- Severe neglect or dangerous living conditions
- Significant financial exploitation
- Conduct that places the elder at risk of death or major harm
Consequences for Felony elder abuse may include:
- 2–4 years in state prison (or more if injuries are severe)
- Higher fines
- Stricter probation terms
- Court-ordered stay-away or protective orders
The exact charges depend on the details of the case and the district attorney’s filing decisions. This page provides general information only. For legal questions, consult a licensed defense attorney.
Examples of Elder Abuse
These examples help illustrate situations that may be charged under PC 368:
- A caregiver fails to provide medication or basic care, leading to unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
- A relative or roommate uses threats to obtain money from an elderly person.
- A person intentionally isolates an elder, preventing them from receiving needed help.
- Someone leaves an elder alone in a hazardous environment where they could fall, become ill, or be harmed.
- A trusted individual accesses an elder’s accounts without permission to take money or property.
These are general examples only, every individual case is unique.
Bail for Elder Abuse Charges
Elder abuse charges can result in significant bail amounts, especially if the case is filed as a felony. Bail amounts are based on:
- The seriousness of the allegations
- Whether injuries occurred
- If financial loss was reported
- The person’s prior criminal history
- Local county bail schedules
Because elder abuse is viewed as a vulnerable-victim crime, bail can be higher than in standard cases. SCV Bail Bonds can review the charges, check the bail amounts, and guide you through the process of posting bail.
How SCV Bail Bonds Can Help
SCV Bail Bonds provides fast, confidential, 24/7 assistance to families dealing with elder abuse arrests. We offer:
- Bail by phone, email, or DocuSign
- Flexible payment plans for those who qualify
- Mobile bail service if in-person help is needed
- Local experience with Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, and surrounding county jails
- Clear explanations of the bail process from start to finish
We do not give legal advice or attorney referrals — however, we can explain how the bail process works and what to expect next.
What to Do If Your Loved One Is Arrested for Elder Abuse
- Stay calm — arrests for PC 368 are serious, but bail is often possible.
- Contact SCV Bail Bonds immediately — we can confirm charges, bail amounts, and booking status.
- Have basic information ready: full name, date of birth, and the jail location if known.
- We begin processing bail right away, either electronically or in person.
- Once released, the individual must attend all scheduled court dates.
Helpful SCV Bail Bond Links
- Bail Bonds Process
- Santa Clarita Jail Information
- Bail Bonds for California Criminal Charges
- Contact SCV Bail Bonds
Need Help Right Now?
If someone you care about has been arrested for Elder Abuse (PC 368), SCV Bail Bonds is here for you 24 hours a day. We’ll walk you through the bail process and work quickly to secure their release.
We’re here to answer your online bail bond questions anytime. Call us 24/7 at (661) 299-2245 (BAIL) or toll-free 855-728-2245 (855-SCV-BAIL) to get the process started quickly.