Description

Representing People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Elizabeth Kelley ISBN 9781641056342

For criminal defense lawyers, representing a client on the autism spectrum is not a matter of if, but when. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately one in 59 children is on the autism spectrum, and because Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a lifelong condition, those children grow into adults who may one day encounter the criminal justice system.

Yet many practitioners are left asking critical questions: What exactly is Autism Spectrum Disorder? How can it be recognized in a client? Why does it matter in the context of criminal defense? And why are individuals with ASD disproportionately drawn into contact with law enforcement and the courts?

Representing People with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Practical Guide for Criminal Defense Lawyers brings together expert insights to answer these questions and equip defense attorneys with the knowledge and tools they need to advocate effectively. The book examines the full lifecycle of a criminal case involving a client with ASD—from the initial law enforcement encounter and bond hearing, through the strategic use of experts, plea negotiations, and potential dismissal, to final case resolution, including sentencing to probation or incarceration.

Designed as a practical, courtroom-focused resource, this guide helps criminal defense lawyers understand ASD, recognize its implications at every stage of representation, and protect the rights and interests of clients on the spectrum throughout the criminal process.

Representing People with Autism Spectrum Disorders Elizabeth Kelley ISBN 9781641056342, 978-1641056342 & 9781641056359

Author
Elizabeth Kelley