Georgia Sisters Arrested for Abusing a Disabled Adult

Reports out of Hall County show that two sisters were arrested for allegedly abusing a disabled man. Caroline Mills and Savannah Mills both apparently knew the 22-year-old disabled victim. The abuse occurred in a home in Flowery Branch.

Both women are facing charges of inflicting pain on a disabled person and battery in Georgia.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney, I will outline the offense faced by both the women in today's post.

Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults in Georgia

Exploitation and Intimidation of Disabled Adults in Georgia is defined by Georgia Law in O.C.G.A. §16-5-102.

The first part of the law outlines the three ways that a person can violate this law at the felony level. These actions include:

1. Knowingly and willfully exploiting a disabled adult, elder person, or resident;
2. Willfully inflicting physical pain, physical injury, sexual abuse, mental anguish, or unreasonable confinement upon a disabled adult, elder person, or resident;
3. Willfully depriving a disabled adult, elder person, or resident of essential services.

The law goes on to outline another type of violation of this law at the misdemeanor level. Another way a suspect can violate the statute is by threatening, intimidating, or attempting to intimidate a disabled adult or elder person who is the subject of an investigation.

In order to convict someone of exploitation and intimidation of disabled adults in Georgia, the prosecution must demonstrate that the suspect is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. This involves showing that they intended to commit the criminal offense of exploiting or intimidating a disabled adult.

A person convicted of committing the felony level of exploitation and intimidation, then that person is facing anywhere from one to twenty years in prison as well as fines up to $50,000.

A person convicted of committing the misdemeanor level of exploitation and intimidation is still facing a misdemeanor of a high and aggravated nature. This means that the person could be facing up to 12 months in jail as well as fines up to $5,000.

Practice Note

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I always do my best to mention in any news story I cover that just because someone has been accused of a crime or even arrested for the commission of a crime does not mean that he or she is guilty. There are many situations in which a person can be wrongfully or improperly accused or arrested.

An arrest is not the same as guilt. Neither is it the same as a conviction. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Georgia, please contact our offices today. Each scenario has its own independent and significant details, and we are here to help you sort through your case. Call now.