235B.20 Dependent adult abuse — initiation of charges — penalty.

1. Charges of dependent adult abuse may be initiated upon complaint of private individuals or as a result of investigations by social service agencies or on the direct initiative of a county attorney or law enforcement agency.

2. A caretaker who intentionally commits dependent adult abuse on a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a class “C” felony if the intentional dependent adult abuse results in serious injury.

3. A caretaker who recklessly commits dependent adult abuse on a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a class “D” felony if the reckless dependent adult abuse results in serious injury.

4. A caretaker who intentionally commits dependent adult abuse on a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a class “C” felony if the intentional dependent adult abuse results in physical injury.

5. A caretaker who commits dependent adult abuse by exploiting a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a class “D” felony if the value of the property, assets, or resources exceeds one hundred dollars.

6. A caretaker who recklessly commits dependent adult abuse on a person in violation of this chapter is guilty of an aggravated misdemeanor if the reckless dependent adult abuse results in physical injury.

7. A caretaker who otherwise intentionally or knowingly commits dependent adult abuse upon a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a serious misdemeanor.

8. A caretaker who commits dependent adult abuse by exploiting a dependent adult in violation of this chapter is guilty of a simple misdemeanor if the value of the property, assets, or resources is one hundred dollars or less.

9. A caretaker alleged to have committed a violation of this chapter shall be charged with the respective offense cited, unless a charge may be brought based upon a more serious offense, in which case the charge of the more serious offense shall supersede the less serious charge.

96 Acts, ch 1130, §10; 2009 Acts, ch 107, §4

Referred to in §235E.4