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My question involves criminal law for the state of: Colorado.
Would it be beneficial or detrimental to disclose bipolar disorder and not being currently on medication to the court in a shoplifting case($200, cooperative)?
Part of the mental disorder has to do with self destructive impulse control. I don't think it is an excuse, but I am interested in if it will influence leniency or sentencing.
Only priors: 2 MIPs in 2007.
Why should they care? You are a criminal.
I don't see that it would be deemed relevant, and it may sound like you're making excuses for yourself, but I don't have the full details.
If you are under a psychiatrist's care for a mental illness, and if despite that care you are still unable to prevent yourself from committing impulsive acts of shoplifting, you should be working with a lawyer and having your lawyer discuss your case with your psychiatrist. Your lawyer can then advise you as to whether it might be appropriate to disclose the issue to your probation officer or at sentencing.