Attorney Stephen G. Cobb Provides Expertise on Neuroimaging in Criminal Cases

Neuroimaging is not new to the courtroom, as attorneys have utilized brain images in a myriad of cases. CT scans and MRIs are often presented when an attorney needs to prove to the court that a client suffers from a particular disease, or may have had a traumatic brain injury, etc. But the courts have been decidedly more dubious in regard to acceptance of neuroimaging as evidence for criminal defense; however, as the science of neuroimaging has advanced, the use of brain imaging is accelerating.

In the new book released by the American Bar Association, Representing People with Mental Disabilities—A Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Best Practices Manual, attorney Stephen G. Cobb delivers some insightful information that can assist attorneys considering neuroimaging as part of their strategy.

As an experienced litigator with over 10,000 criminal cases to his credit, Cobb has developed a methodology for assessing clients to determine when neuroimaging may be advisable. Cobb uses a thorough intake interview process to ascertain where red flags might be present with a client’s past education history, driving record, criminal record, etc. And these red flags could be indicators that, historically, a client may have acted in a cyclical, unproductive pattern, in which case a brain image could possibly be evidentiary. In cases which a client has existed in a normal pattern of life for years and then suddenly commits a crime that is clearly out of character and shocking, neuroimaging could show a scientific reason as to what could have led to the break from normalcy.

According to statistics published in The Lancet, a weekly peer-reviewed medical journal, there are in excess of 10 million people incarcerated globally and the prevalence of mental illness in the prison population is higher than that of the general population. Additionally, the rate of identification and treatment is poor. Therefore, neuroimaging should be considered as a possible avenue for discovery in criminal cases as Cobb suggests, for its use could possibly prevent incarceration in some cases, in favor of treatment and/or psychiatric care instead.

About the Law Offices of Stephen G. Cobb, B.C.S: Stephen G. Cobb is an experienced criminal defense attorney. His practice has multiple offices throughout Florida and he is dedicated to delivering exceptional results for every client regardless of the size of the case. With over 10,000 criminal cases in Florida, ranging from DUI to first degree murder, Stephen G. Cobb has handled literally every kind of case and has the experience and know-how to get moving in the right direction for clients immediately. Call to schedule a free consultation: (850) 466-1522

Contact Information

Stephen Cobb

Attorney

Cobb Law Firm

(1) (1) (850) 423-0035

info@cobblawfirm.com