Penal Code 368 — Elder Abuse

PC 368 Bail Bonds — Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is prosecuted aggressively in California and carries serious bail. Chad Conley posts bail 24/7 across Southern California.

Typical Bail:$25,000 – $100,000

What Is Penal Code 368?

PC 368 covers physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, and endangerment of adults aged 65 or older (or dependent adults). It is a wobbler for emotional abuse and neglect; physical abuse causing great bodily injury or death is a straight felony with enhanced sentencing. Elder financial abuse — theft, fraud, or undue influence targeting seniors — is one of the most commonly prosecuted forms. Caregivers, family members, and financial advisors are all subject to this law.

Elements of the Charge

  • The victim was 65 years of age or older (or a dependent adult)
  • You willfully caused or permitted physical pain, mental suffering, or financial harm
  • You knew or should have known the person was an elder or dependent adult
  • Physical abuse causing great bodily injury or death elevates the charge to a straight felony

Typical Bail Amounts for PC 368

Charge / ScenarioTypical Bail
Misdemeanor elder abuse (emotional, neglect)$25,000
Felony elder abuse (physical, financial)$50,000–$75,000
Elder abuse causing great bodily injury$100,000
Elder abuse causing death$250,000+

Bail is set by county schedule and can be modified at arraignment. The nature of the abuse and the victim's injuries significantly affect bail.

Most of Chad's bonds are written at 6%, 7% or 8%. Smaller bonds, under $20,000, can be up to 10% because of posting fees. On a $50,000 bail, your cost is $5,000. Chad offers payment plans.

What the Family Needs to Know

Elder abuse charges are emotionally charged and often involve complex family dynamics. Getting your loved one out before arraignment gives them time to work with a defense attorney to understand the allegations and prepare a response — especially in cases where the accused is a caregiver or family member.

Cosigning a PC 368 Bond

Elder abuse bail varies widely based on the nature of the charge. Here's what cosigning means:

What Cosigning Means

  • You guarantee the defendant appears at every court date
  • If they fail to appear, you are responsible for the full bail amount
  • Protective orders restricting contact with the victim are typically issued
  • The premium is non-refundable once the defendant is released

Why Families Choose Chad Conley

24/7 Availability

Chad answers his phone nights, weekends, and holidays.

Four-County Coverage

Chad posts bail in LA, Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties.

Payment Plans

Chad works with families on down payments and extended payment plans.

Discreet and Respectful

Elder abuse cases involve sensitive family situations. Chad handles every case with discretion.

What Happens at Arraignment

At arraignment, the judge will review the charges, set bail conditions, and likely impose a protective order restricting contact with the victim. Being out before arraignment gives the defendant and their attorney time to prepare and understand the full scope of the allegations.

Call Chad Now — 855⁠-⁠BAD⁠-⁠CHAD

After the bond

The bond is just the start. Chad stays with you.

Price matters. But a lot of bail companies are salespeople sitting at a desk. They sell you the bond on the phone that night, and after that you get passed from department to department. With Chad, the same person who writes your bond is the one who picks up when something comes up.

Missed a court date?

Call Chad right away. We help you get back on the court calendar and get it fixed before it gets worse.

Bail raised, or charges added?

We explain what happened and handle the change to the bond.

A new case, or an old one just now filed?

Sometimes charges show up for something from before. We work through it with you.

Questions about your payments?

You talk to us, not a collections department.

A real example (name changed)

Fred missed his court date, and he still owed a balance. Chad helped him anyway. He stayed up late with him and put together the paperwork to ask the court to reinstate his bond. On the way to court, Fred's car broke down and got towed, with the paperwork inside. So Chad did it all over again, and Fred came by the office to pick up a new set.

You could roll the dice on whoever quotes the cheapest bond on the phone. Or you could have a bondsman who picks up when it really matters.

Call Chad: 855⁠-⁠BAD⁠-⁠CHAD