Legal Question in Criminal Law in Mississippi

11 & 12 Year-olds w/ medical issues charged w/ Burglary of a Dwelling

I have 2 sons that have Attention Deficit Disorder w/ Hyperactivity, Conduct Disorder and Oppisitional Defient Disorder. They have been seeing a neurologist and on medications since they were age 4. They have been to several therapist. They were ''bored'' last week and decided to climb through a window of a house that the owners have moved out of over 4 months ago, but have left stuff in the home. They took several toys and the 11 year old spray painted on the door. They were arrested and released to me and have received an appointment date to meet with the court counselor before they go to juvenille court. I can not afford a lawyer. And I really can not afford the amount of money it is going to take to get copies of their medical records. I do not know what I need to do to handle this situation. I would appreciate any advice from anyone. They have never been in any trouble before this incident.


Asked on 6/21/03, 1:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Austin Nimocks Austin R. Nimocks & Associates, P.L.L.C.

Re: 11 & 12 Year-olds w/ medical issues charged w/ Burglary of a Dwelling

I would not pay for their medical records. The court/judge is not interested in going through tons of medical records. Rather, I would request their doctor(s) to write a narrative report or one page summary of their illnesses, diagnosis, length of condition, and how it affects their judgment and/or ability to think and reason. This type of summary report would be both helpful to the lawyer who represents your kids and the judge.

Next, I would contact the juvenile court and get the clerk or other employee to give you the names of defense lawyers who regularly practice in juvenile court. You should contact those lawyers before you decide you can't afford one. You might be surprised and those lawyers oftentimes may offer reduced rates or do work pro bono (free).

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Answered on 6/21/03, 6:14 pm


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