ADHD Criminal Lawyers

Leading lawyers specialising in representing clients with ADHD (London & Manchester)

At Olliers Solicitors, we are committed to providing expert legal representation tailored to the needs of individuals with ADHD. We understand the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals within the Criminal Justice System and the importance of ensuring that their condition is fully considered at every stage of the legal process.

ADHD and the Criminal Justice System

Research shows that individuals with ADHD are disproportionately represented in the Criminal Justice System. ADHD is often associated with impulsivity, difficulty regulating emotions, and challenges in processing complex situations — factors that may inadvertently lead to involvement with the police. For some, these traits may result in actions being misinterpreted or in difficulties complying with social and legal norms.

Additionally, ADHD is frequently accompanied by other conditions, such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, which can further complicate matters. These co-occurring issues illustrate the need for sensitive and informed legal representation.

How ADHD can impact criminal cases

When representing individuals with ADHD, it is critical to understand how the condition can affect their behaviour, decision-making, and interactions with police including:

Impulsivity: Decisions made in the heat of the moment may lack forethought, which could be relevant in cases where intent is in question.

Communication Challenges: Difficulty processing complex language or social cues may impact police interviews or courtroom proceedings.

Memory and Focus Issues: Forgetfulness or difficulty following instructions could be misinterpreted as evasiveness or non-compliance.

Emotional Regulation: ADHD can lead to heightened emotional responses, which may be mistaken for aggression or lack of remorse.

We work to ensure that the presence of ADHD is appropriately taken into account by police, prosecutors, and the courts, particularly in relation to the pre-charge engagement stage and the public interest test under the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

Olliers’ approach to representing clients with ADHD

At Olliers, we provide a compassionate, knowledgeable, and proactive approach to ensure the best outcomes for our clients with ADHD:

Early Engagement and Pre-Charge Representation

We aim to intervene at the earliest possible stage, ensuring that ADHD is flagged to investigators and prosecutors.

By presenting evidence of the condition, including its impact on our client’s actions and intent, we seek to do all we can to minimise the chances of prosecution.

When determining whether to prosecute an individual with a neurodivergent condition, it is crucial to assess how the condition has influenced their behaviour and its relevance to the specific circumstances of the alleged offence. For example, ADHD may impact an individual’s behaviour, intent, and maturity, which must be carefully evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Prosecutors should consider:

• The suspect’s mental functioning, even in the absence of a formal diagnosis of ADHD
• The Director’s Guidance on Charging, ensuring that the investigating officer provides clear notification to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) of any diagnosed or suspected neurodivergent condition.

Expert Evidence

In cases where ADHD has been diagnosed, we work with medical, psychological and psychiatric experts to provide detailed reports on how the condition may have influenced our client’s behaviour.

This evidence is invaluable in explaining the context of certain actions, particularly in cases where impulsivity or lack of understanding played a role.

Many clients do not have a formal diagnosis prior to their involvement in legal proceedings, though they may express concerns or suspicions that they could have ADHD. In such cases, we support them in obtaining a diagnosis where appropriate and connect them with organisations that may be of assistance to them moving forwards.

Additional needs

We ensure that the legal process accommodates our clients’ needs, including requesting appropriate rest breaks during police interviews or court hearings.

Our specialist team is trained to communicate clearly and effectively with neurodivergent individuals, ensuring they fully understand the process and feel supported throughout.

Mitigation

Where a case proceeds to sentencing, we provide robust mitigation to highlight how ADHD may have influenced our client’s behaviour and reduce the risk of overly harsh sentences and do all we can to try and ensure the best possible outcome.

ADHD and Internet Offences

Many of our clients seek our assistance after being contacted by the police regarding alleged internet-based offences, such as possession of indecent images or allegations of sexual communication.

Why Choose Olliers Solicitors?

Our team has extensive experience representing neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD. We are committed to ensuring that the Criminal Justice System treats our clients fairly and that their condition is fully understood and considered.

All of our specialist criminal lawyers receive training on ADHD and its implications in criminal cases. We adapt our approach to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring clear communication and compassionate support.

Specialist Criminal Lawyers with ADHD Awareness

Related Neurodiversity content

• Supporting neurodivergent clients
• ADHD and the Criminal Justice System
• The importance of pre-charge engagement for neurodiverse clients
• Autistic clients and internet offending
• Autism and the criminal law
• The Appropriate Adult scheme is failing people with autism
• Autism

Specialist ADHD Criminal Lawyers

If you or a loved one with ADHD is facing criminal proceedings, we’re here to help. Please contact us by telephone on 0161 8341515, by email to info@olliers.com or complete the website enquiry form below to discuss how Olliers can provide specialist legal advice and support.