Crimes involving At-Risk individuals are prosecuted especially aggressively in Weld County. Whether the allegations arise in Greeley, Windsor, Evans, Johnstown, Frederick, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Eaton, Severance, Dacono, or in the county’s many rural communities, these cases move fast and often escalate into serious felony charges.
Because Weld County has a large elderly population, numerous long-term care facilities, and a significant number of home health agencies, accusations of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation are common and sometimes based on misunderstandings, medical issues, or family conflict rather than intentional wrongdoing.
As Weld County criminal defense attorneys, we see firsthand how quickly a simple dispute or misinterpreted injury can turn into a criminal investigation by Adult Protective Services (APS), the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, city police departments, and the 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
Below is what you need to know if you or a loved one is facing allegations involving an At-Risk individual in Weld County.
Who Is Considered “At-Risk” Under Colorado Law?
Colorado’s At-Risk statutes (primarily CRS § 18-6.5-103) explain criminal penalties whenever the alleged victim is:
- An At-Risk Adult (Age 70 or Older)
Any adult 70 or older is automatically classified as At-Risk, even if they are fully independent.
- An At-Risk Adult with a Disability
This includes adults with:
- Developmental disabilities
- Intellectual disabilities
- Physical disabilities
- Mental health conditions
- Age-related cognitive issues (such as dementia)
- An At-Risk Juvenile
A minor under 18 who has a disability.
These broad definitions mean many residents of assisted living centers in Greeley, memory care units in Windsor, and group homes throughout Weld County fall under the At-Risk classification, even if their ability to communicate or recall events is limited.
Common Charges Involving At-Risk Individuals in Weld County: A Greeley Criminal Defense Attorney Explains
The At-Risk enhancement applies to a wide range of offenses:
Assault on an At-Risk Person
Even minor injuries or contact can be charged as a felony, especially in cases involving older adults or adults with disabilities.
Harassment and Menacing
Arguments in homes, nursing facilities, or care settings can escalate into criminal accusations.
Caretaker Neglect
Family members, nurses, home health workers, and caregivers may face charges for:
- Missed medications
- Falls or injuries
- Leaving someone unattended
- Failing to provide required care
- Unsafe living conditions
Financial Exploitation
Allegations often involve:
- Joint bank accounts
- Power-of-attorney disputes
- Misunderstandings about shared finances
- Family disagreements over money or property
Criminal Mischief
Damaging or destroying the property of an At-Risk individual, even during a dispute, carries enhanced penalties.
False Imprisonment
Blocking a doorway or limiting someone’s movement during an argument can be charged as False Imprisonment of an At-Risk adult.
Why These Cases Are So Aggressively Prosecuted in Weld County
The 19th Judicial District Attorney’s Office takes At-Risk cases extremely seriously due to:
- Mandatory reporting laws for hospitals and nursing homes
- A rapidly growing elderly population
- Increased APS involvement
- Pressure on long-term care facilities to report potential abuse
- Vulnerable alleged victims who may have unreliable memories
- Family conflicts that spill into criminal court
Accusations often arise from:
- Hospitals in Greeley reporting unexplained injuries
- Assisted living staff documenting behavior changes
- Neighbors calling law enforcement after overhearing arguments
- Mandatory reporters who fear liability if they don’t file a report
Even when the allegations are exaggerated or mistaken, the criminal justice system tends to move forward aggressively.
Penalties for Crimes Against At-Risk Individuals
Penalties in Weld County can be severe, including:
Felony Level Enhancements
Many misdemeanor level acts become felonies if the alleged victim is At-Risk.
Jail or Prison Time
Judges in Weld County often impose harsher sentences for At-Risk cases.
Restitution
Financial exploitation cases frequently involve large restitution orders.
Mandatory Protection Orders
These can prevent contact with the alleged victim, even if they are a spouse or parent.
Collateral Consequences
- Employment issues
- Loss of caregiving roles
- Professional license problems
- Immigration consequences
Common Situations That Lead to Charges in Weld County
Many accusations involve everyday situations, such as:
Medical Misunderstandings
Bruises, falls, and infections may be misinterpreted as signs of abuse.
Communication Difficulties
Elderly or disabled individuals may unintentionally provide inaccurate information to investigators.
Family Stress or Conflict
Caregiving responsibilities can be overwhelming, and family disputes often lead to allegations.
Facility Reporting Requirements
Nursing homes and care centers in Greeley, Windsor, Evans, and Frederick must report suspected abuse, even when staff are unsure.
Financial Disputes
Arguments over money, wills, or property frequently trigger criminal investigations.
Why You Need an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney on Your Side
Crimes against At-Risk individuals are taken extremely seriously in Weld County and allegations often arise from accidents, misinterpretations, or family conflict rather than intentional harm. Because the consequences are so severe, it’s critical to act quickly and secure experienced legal representation.
If you or a loved one is facing allegations involving an At-Risk person in Greeley, Windsor, Evans, Frederick, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Johnstown, Severance, Eaton, Mead, Dacono, or anywhere in Weld County, be smart, exercise your right to remain silent, and contact the best criminal defense attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
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