What is violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Florida?

Punishments / Penalties

The crime of Violation of an Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult is a First Degree Misdemeanor that is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine.

This offense occurs when:

  1. A temporary or final injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult was issued by a court against person for the benefit of victim. 
  2. Person willfully violated the injunction by:
    • Refusing to vacate the dwelling shared with the vulnerable adult;
    •  Going to or being within 500 feet of the vulnerable adult’s residence;
    • Exploiting or unduly influencing the vulnerable adult;
    • Committing any other violation of the injunction through an intentional unlawful threat, word, or act to do violence to the vulnerable adult;
    • Telephoning, contacting, or otherwise communicating with the vulnerable adult directly or indirectly, unless the injunction specifically allows indirect contact through a third party;
    • Knowingly and intentionally coming within 100 feet of the vulnerable adult’s motor vehicle, regardless of whether that vehicle is occupied; or
    • Defacing or destroying the vulnerable adult’s personal property.

“Willfully” means knowingly, intentionally, and purposely.

“Vulnerable adult” means a person 18 years of age or older whose ability to perform the normal activities of daily living or to provide for his or her own care or protection is impaired due to a mental, emotional, sensory, long-term physical, or developmental disability or dysfunction, or brain damage, or the infirmities of aging.

Defenses to Violation of an Injunction for Protection Against Exploitation of a Vulnerable Adult:

  • Did not act willfully.
  • Did not have knowledge of injunction entered.
  • Did not violate injunction in the manner specified by statute. 

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Glenn M. Swiatek for a Free Initial Consultation

If you have been arrested or believe you will soon be arrested for the offense of violation of an injunction for protection against exploitation of a vulnerable adult in Destin, Shalimar, Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach or other areas of Northwest Florida please call us today at (850) 609‑0940 or contact us online.

Initial Office Consults are free, and I will make myself available to suit your schedule. Get the peace of mind that an attorney with over twenty-three years of criminal law experience can bring.

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