If I was taking percosets for the first time during the time I allegedly stole $1000 from my job, can it help me in anyway?

Question

If I was taking percosets for the first time during the time I allegedly stole $1000 from my job, can it help me in anyway?

Answer

Doubtful. There is a premise in criminal law called "mens rea", which is latin for "guilty mind". That essentially states that you must have some actual "intent" to commit a crime (in most instances--it gets complicated). Anyway, if the medication whacked you out so bad that you have no recollection and you had no idea what you were doing, it is possible that you could argue that you had no mens rea because of the medication. I just don't see any judge or jury buying it.