ADDHelpline is your ADD Information Source
If you are interested in learning more about how you can receive EEG Neurotherapy right in your home, using your own computer, enter your email address below.
Regular Features
THE
PARENT COACH
Dr.
Steven Richfield provides articles on many different aspects of raising a child
with ADHD.
ASK
THE ADVOCATE
Each
month we our advocate will be answering questions from our visitors about yours
and your children's rights in the educational system.
PARENTS
TALK
A mother is trying to help her teenage son learn anger management.
MOTIVATION
TIPS
Five great ideas for motivation, including The Shoe Race, Trading Places
and more.
ORGANIZATION
TIPS
Organize your child at home, and maybe find some tips that will help you
as well.
ADHD
IN THE NEWS
Headlines about ADHD, Learning Disability and Mental Disorders
Study on ADD and TV
The recent study published on watching television between the ages of one and
three and the possible link to ADD/ADHD did not take many considerations into
account. The author of the study even admits that he cannot conclude that
television watching and ADD/ADHD are linked.
Read the
Article
ASK THE ADVOCATE
Back To This Month's Newsletter
Question: My son has been charged with a Class 2 Felony for distribution of a controlled substance. He is 16 years old with ADHD and he gave his teammate his prescription medicine. He has never been in trouble before. We are about to take a plea bargain because if we go ahead with the trial we will loose. Can't we use his disability as a defense? Our lawyer says the judge won't care.
Thanks for your e-mail. Your question (can you use your son's disability as a defense in a criminal case) is not easily answered. Here is what I can tell you.
Laws vary from state to state. In Illinois (where I practice), one of the things that the prosecution must prove that the defendant distributed the substance with the intent to portray it as a controlled substance.
Therefore, intent is important. Also, is he charged with distribution of a controlled substance or a look alike substance. That is important too.
Your lawyer is partially correct if the prosecution can prove intent. However, in a plea conference, your son's disability will be important as "mitigation." Your lawyer should know what that means.
Good luck.
Steve Glink, Attorney at Law.