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Lawyer using Robitussin-induced insanity defense in robbery case
(AP) ^ | February 13, 2004 - 10:18AM | WWMT TV

Posted on 02/13/2004 11:13:18 AM PST by MaryFromMichigan

February 13, 2004 - 10:18AM

TRAVERSE CITY (AP) -- His lawyer says the Robitussin made him do it. A 19-year-old former National Honor Society member is accused of robbing a gas station and leading police on a high-speed chase.

Karl Leonard's attorney says his client's recreational use of the over-the-counter cold medicine made him temporarily insane.

Leonard's case goes to trial inside a Grand Traverse County courtroom in April. He could face between 35 months and life in prison if convicted.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: insanity; lawyer; robitussin
Comments? :)
1 posted on 02/13/2004 11:13:18 AM PST by MaryFromMichigan
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To: Tooters
The 'Robitussin' Defense....
2 posted on 02/13/2004 11:14:49 AM PST by BossLady
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To: Lazamataz
Ping!
3 posted on 02/13/2004 11:15:19 AM PST by MaryFromMichigan (We childproofed our home, but they are still getting in)
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To: Tooters
I'll have to remember to keep a bottle in the glove compartment. It'll come in handy the next time I run over a lawyer.
4 posted on 02/13/2004 11:15:55 AM PST by andy58-in-nh
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To: BossLady
The 'Robitussin' Defense....

Its almost as strong as the Chewbaca Defense.

5 posted on 02/13/2004 11:16:38 AM PST by Phantom Lord (Distributor of Pain, Your Loss Becomes My Gain)
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To: Tooters
Well, because you made one stupid decision (abusing a drug) does not let you off the hook for making a second stupid decision (robbery). Give the appropriate sentance.
6 posted on 02/13/2004 11:17:27 AM PST by bird4four4 (These letters just randomly fell here, the fact that it make sense is just chance.)
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To: Phantom Lord
But not quite as hairy..... ;)
7 posted on 02/13/2004 11:20:31 AM PST by BossLady
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To: Tooters
Just an FYI: The active ingredient in many OTC cough medicines is DXM (Dextromethorphan (sp?)), which, in high doses, acts as a dissociative psychedelic similar to PCP and Ketamine.
8 posted on 02/13/2004 11:20:51 AM PST by GETMAIN
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To: Tooters
I once took too much robitussen at the suggestion of a medic (I was young and naive). It does get you pretty buzzed, but the idea that you could use it in an insanity defense is ludicrous.
9 posted on 02/13/2004 11:22:36 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
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To: GETMAIN
The active ingredient in many OTC cough medicines is DXM (Dextromethorphan (sp?)), which, in high doses, acts as a dissociative psychedelic similar to PCP and Ketamine.

I never saw being under the influence of any drug, legal or illegal, to be a mitigating factor in a crime. I've always seen it as a reason to increase punishment, sending a message to people to be careful and not do anything stupid when using. Even better, don't use in case you do anything stupid.

10 posted on 02/13/2004 11:26:20 AM PST by antiRepublicrat
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