The law doesn’t give any points for age. When older adults are arrested in Dallas, the protocols used by police officers mirror the protocols used for people of all ages. Yes, that can include a night in jail.
While senior citizens are less likely to be arrested for charges related to violence, assault, and gang activity compared to people in younger age categories, they still get arrested for some niche criminal behaviors.
One thing that elderly people have in common with all who get arrested is that contacting a Dallas bail bonds service immediately after arrest is essential for avoiding an uncomfortable night behind bars. Take a look at some common reasons elderly people are arrested in Texas.
Alcohol and Drug Offenses
Older people are just as likely to be charged with DUI as younger people. Elderly drivers may be at higher risk of being pulled over for a suspected DUI charge than younger drivers because it becomes harder to metabolize alcohol as you age.
In addition, some medications that elderly people commonly use can enhance the effects of alcohol.
According to an article from U.S. Pharmacist, around 17 percent of people aged 65 and older are likely to accidentally misuse prescription medications and alcohol.
Common drugs that can lead to negative interactions with alcohol are:
- Generic pain medications
- Blood pressure medication
- Anxiety medications
- Muscle relaxers
- Diabetes medications
- Antidepressants
Shoplifting and Larceny
Everything from forgetfulness to economic struggles can cause shoplifting incidents among the elderly. You may even be dealing with shoplifting charges simply because frustrations due to a poorly operated business caused you to walk out without paying.
Sometimes, life factors that create frustration, boredom, and depression can drive an elderly person to steal personal property from yards, businesses, parks, and other non-retail spaces.
This form of theft that occurs outside of a store is called larceny. Larceny charges can also stem from misunderstandings where an elderly person thought an item was being given away for free.
Keep in mind that when it comes to smaller crimes like petty theft, where most people could be arrested, the law considers dementia and Alzheimer’s disease symptoms. So, an arrest may be avoidable if a loved one can prove the offending citizen isn’t acting as they normally would due to a neurological disease.
Harassment
Arguments and misunderstandings can make the elderly more susceptible to harassment charges.
Stress can cause a person to become entangled in a public scene, which causes bystanders to call the police. It’s very easy for minor conflicts to erupt into screaming matches in settings that can include stores, restaurants, parks, protests, and more.
Kidnapping
Family disputes can sometimes lead to severe kidnapping charges for elderly adults. In some contentious situations, the police are called when grandparents take their grandchildren without first getting parental permission.
While it’s an extremely sad situation, it’s possible for a grandparent who wanted nothing more than to spend time with a grandchild to end up in handcuffs.
How can a Bail Bond Help?
Regardless of why an elderly person is placed behind bars, even an overnight stint in jail is no place for someone living on the frail side of society.
Lack of available medications and issues that come with dementia arrests are enough to put any elderly individuals at severe risk during a short stay in jail.
A Dallas bail bond can help get elderly family members out of jail fast and present the following benefits:
- Waiting for a preliminary hearing from the comfort of their own home
- More availability to schedule regular meetings with a criminal defense lawyer to build their case in an attempt to avoid longer jail sentencing
Get Help for Elderly People Arrested in Dallas
Nobody wants to spend their golden years behind silver bars. Every senior citizen arrested in Texas needs Dallas bail bonds support to avoid a hard, cold night in a jail cell. 1st Call Bail Bonds provides 24-hour service seven days a week to help you through a difficult time following an arrest in Dallas. Our Dallas bail bonds team can provide the care, attentiveness, and respect senior citizens deserve when facing the aftermath of an arrest. Contact 1st Call Bail Bonds today!
