The elderly and crime

[mom2burgess]

I have noticed through talking various people, that when the elderly commmit a crime (not murder, etc not the harder felonies) they get easier sentances because of thier age. For example, a woman got a credit card in her sons name (sn is an adult) and charged a bunch of high ticket items on it. He found out and pressed charges. She pleaded not guilty, the judge found her guilty, and said he would have given her jail time, but due to her age, he will not, she gets community service instead. Another was an elderly man driving without a liscence or registration or insurance, after the 3'rd (yes THIRD) time he was pulled over the officer told him if he caught him again, he was pressing charges rather than writing a ticket. He got caught again, it went to court and the judge just told him to stop doing it, basically. A month later the man was pulled over again, with no liscence or registration or insurance. He got a warning again.

Do you think the elderly should be held to the same standards as all adults? Or should thier ages warrent lighter punishments?

[Brandy]

I think the elderly should be held to the same standards just like the rest of us.

The only way I would see otherwise is if they had some sort of mental problem that caused them to not know what they were doing. If that is the case then other measures should be taken.

[Jory]

That is a tough one. I have a soft spot for the elderly, but I guess it depends on the situation, like Brandy said. If they were habitual petty criminals, then I would feel less compassion for them. I couldn't imagine pressing charges against my mother though.

[Tara mom2four]

I think they should have to face the same punishment anyone else should.