565.184. Abuse of an elderly person, a person with disability, or a vulnerable person — penalty.
It’s a crime to hurt, neglect, or emotionally abuse elderly or vulnerable people
Anyone who harms or puts at risk an elderly person, someone with a disability, or a vulnerable person can be charged with a misdemeanor in Missouri.
1. A person commits the offense of abuse of an elderly person, a person with a disability, or a vulnerable person if he or she:
- (1) Purposely causes emotional harm through more than one action. The behavior must be serious enough that a reasonable person would feel strong emotional distress; or
- (2) On purpose, does not give the care, items, or help someone needs—causing likely physical or emotional harm; or
- (3) Knowingly does something—or fails to do something—that puts the life, body, or health of an elderly, disabled, or vulnerable person in serious danger.
2. This crime is a class A misdemeanor. But someone is not considered abused just because they choose prayer instead of medical care—if that choice was clearly made by them through a written directive or personal decision.
Contact us online or call (314) 900-HELP to talk with a Missouri criminal defense lawyer.
