Public Policy

3.3 Public Policy

Policy Analysis of 825.102 Many believed the charges in Florida for aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult were too lenient. Because of these concerns there was a change in Florida law to solve this problem. On July 1, 2008 Florida law was changed to ease the worries of those seeking justice for their loved ones. Bill 825.102 redefined the severity of first and second degree charges. The changed bill states that “A person who commits aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the first degree…” and “A person who willfully or by culpable negligence neglects an elderly person or disabled adult without causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement to the elderly person or disabled adult commits a felony of the third degree..” This new law will affect anyone who is currently on trial for aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult. For them the stakes are higher. Anyone already convicted will keep their current sentence. Bill 825.102 will change the crime of aggravated abuse of an elderly person or a disabled adult from a second degree felony to a first degree felony. This means that someone on trial for this crime may be convicted of a higher degree and receive a longer sentence. Changing this bill and putting it to action takes no money to achieve. This bill only changes how the judicial system will convict felons. Fortunately, this takes no tax payer dollars to attain. No cost is only one of several benefits that come from this change in bill. Now that this change in bill is in place caretakers of the elderly or disabled will be more careful with their actions, now knowing there are greater consequences. Elderly and disabled people with caretakers will feel safer knowing that if anything were to happen to them, justice will be found. I completely support the decision to enforce bill 825.102. If I had been given the opportunity I would have