A years-long effort by District Attorney General Lisa Zavogiannis to better protect the elderly and intellectually challenged has become state law.What is known as the Elderly and Vulnerable Adult Protection Act took effect July 1.The new law provides more severe penalties to those who financially exploit the elderly and those with mental disabilities by taking the criminal charge one degree higher. For example, it increases a Class E Felony to a Class D Felony.“I think this is a great step needed to protect the elderly,” said Zavogiannis, who serves the 31st Judicial District of Warren and Van Buren counties. “We still have more to do, but this is the right direction and it’s a really big deal.”The law applies to elderly adults, defined as 70 or over, and vulnerable adults, defined as persons over 18 but with intellectual limitations that prevent them from fully managing their own resources.The enhanced charges can be applied to anyone.