Elder AbuseAttorney Dwyer has been rated Superb, & Perfect Reviews for multiple years (Avvo). No legal problem is too tough.
LEGAL QUESTIONS & ATTORNEY DWYER'S REPLIES:
Legal question: My grandfather has my cousin living with him, supposedly to take care of him. I know my cousin is taking grandpa's money, and abusing him, yelling, hitting, punishing him - he's scared. Attorney Tricia Dwyer's answer: Sometimes I will be phoned about an emergency such as this. The elderly person, 'vulnerable adult', may be scared they'll be made to go to a nursing home. All of us are subject to some degree of change in mental abilities, dementia, year by year.Also, nothing is perfect - no living situation, etc. - and so the 'what to do' is nearly never clear. When I help the family in a situation such as this, it's a true legal emergency. Legal question: Am I supposed to be sworn-in before I plead guilty to felony elderly vulnerable adult abuse? Attorney Tricia Dwyer's answer: In a felony case, the criminal defendant is to be sworn and asked certain questions prior to the judge accepting a guilty plea agreement. See MN Rules of Criminal Procedure. LEGAL QUESTION: I'm a senior and disabled. I've had county social services help. I feel ripped off. I was steered to hire a septic excavation company. My health is hurting from all the stress. Help. ATTORNEY TRICIA DWYER'S ANSWER:Hello. I feel utmost compassion for you. You seem to say you don't really trust anyone now. I notice you're in Stearns County; I've lived there for two lengthy periods of time. I'm a little older than you. If I were helping you, I'd want you to tell me a little more about your challenges, for example, special physical health problems?, mental health problems? chronic pain? medicines - alcohol use, doctor care, etc. It sounds like you don't have one or more closed loved ones to turn to at this time. I suggest you consider contacting BEFRIENDERS MINISTRY - well trained adults who've passed background checks and want to help other people one-to-one are 'out there' hoping to be called on. Google the term, plus your local city, and at least a few churches' names should pop up. There's also STEPHEN MINISTRY which helps people one to one, but I myself don't know anything detailed or personally about that organization. I suggest you phone the MN ATTORNEY GENERAL and I believe someone with either answer your phone call or else call you back asap. You mentioned a business and so it sounds as though you may think you need to start a lawsuit to right major wrong and harm to you. You wrote of 'I've worked for....all my life', so perhaps you have some financial resources; if you do choose private attorney help I urge you be a good consumer and be prepared to make many phone calls - you, especially you! want and need to feel trust with who you choose to help you; hiring a lawyer involves making a 'leap of trust', that's for sure. Also, be aware we have COVID-19, flu and MRVirus - much 'court' happens now over phone conference or Zoom (if you've heard of Zoom....) - NOT in person. My point is do NOT limit yourself geographically in any sort of rigid way. Also you spoke of social services and your own health, so all the more reason to stay aware of you having help over the phone, etc., vs. 'going in person to appointments'. I suggest you consider calling 211 which is the United Way and see if the person who handles your call can help be a bridge to real help for you now. |
Send a private message now (include name of other adult involved).
|
|
|