Law Blog

Autism, Disabilities, and the Criminal Justice System: What Parents Should Know A Personal Note from founder, Attorney Lauryn Tully

Mar 1, 2026

Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, I had a personal experience that shaped the way I see the world and the work I do today.

I grew up with a brother who is autistic. Watching him navigate a world that did not always understand him gave me a unique perspective at a young age. I saw firsthand how communication differences, sensory overwhelm, and social misunderstandings could easily be misinterpreted by others.

To me, he was simply my brother. But I also saw how often the world expected him to behave in ways that didn’t take into account how he experienced situations differently.

Those experiences stayed with me. They ultimately influenced my decision to become a defense attorney and advocate for people who may not always be fully understood.

Throughout my career, one question has always stayed with me:

What happens when someone with autism or another developmental disability is misunderstood during an interaction with law enforcement or the criminal justice system?

Unfortunately, these situations happen more often than many families realize.

For parents raising children with autism or developmental disabilities, understanding how the legal system works, and how disabilities can affect legal situations, can be incredibly important.

For those reasons I look forward to our Firm rolling out this three-part blog series to raise awareness and hopefully provide some helpful tips to others. Please feel free to reach out to our firm at 719-297-5500 if you have any questions surrounding a loved one facing charges.

Sincerely,

Lauryn Tully

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney–client relationship. Every case is different, and the application of the law depends on your specific facts. If you are facing a criminal investigation or charge in Colorado, you should consult directly with a qualified criminal defense attorney before making decisions about your case.

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   I cannot say enough good things about Lauryn and her team. From the beginning they were very professional and knowledgeable and truly dedicated. I would HIGHLY recommend Lauryn to anyone looking for an attorney who genuinely cares about their clients and takes their cases seriously. Thank you for everything Lauryn
 Jazaiden Rodriguez
  9/27/2026
   Lauryn and her team were wonderful and professional, representing my son for his case. She always stood involved and looked at everything in the case to make sure we got the best outcome for him and our family. She was very efficient and responsive to everything involved. I would recommend Lauryn to anyone seeking a representative for their case in court. We were very satisfied with their work. Thank you.
 Mariaelena Alvarado
  9/15/2026
   The team at Tully Law is awesome! Very knowledgeable & motivated to help with my situation.They respond to questions anytime & offer positive support;They explain legal terms in layman’s language & communicate effectively. I recommend anyone who needs counsel for defense to use Tully Law!!!
 anita stapleton
  8/19/2026
   I was referred to this law firm and I am telling you this is the best company ever!! You have no idea how amazing all of them are. They help you understand everything and have the best attitudes. If I could clone these ladies for every establishment I would!!!
 Melanie Ravenscraft
  7/24/2026
   Thank you so very much to this team! Special shout out to Mr. Dustin, who was upfront, and honest with me the entire step of the way! I was the victim of three very evil and unstable people who manipulated a situation to have me wrongfully arrested and deeply traumatized. Dustin stayed by my side till evidence finally proved what I had said all along- that I was innocent and was right to defend myself against the psychopath with a knife! I never would have been able to make it through that horrid ordeal on my own, since I was left jobless and homeless thanks to the bad guys. Thankfully now though, I can breathe knowing my spotless record has returned to just that- spotless, and I can begin my healing and return to work. Thank you Mr. Dustin, and Miss Lauryn, and EVERYONE on your team! Worth every cent, and no doubt I will Earnestly and eagerly recommend them to anyone who asks me who to turn to. Honestly, I'd recommend them to anyone even if I wasn't asked.
 Jay Walking (Rhando guwy)
  1/30/2026
   Lauryn and her team were very responsive during our moment of need. They reacted very professionally with empathy Kindness and had a great process to follow. The objectives were always very clear and they always lived up to their word. I will definitely use them again and refer them to any of my friends in need.
 Michael Carew
  1/29/2026
   Truly recommend them. Shay was really nice and helpful. She made me feel that she really care for my situation. Thank you so much!
 Grace
  1/22/2026
   They were extremely friendly, helpful and attentive. checked on me and made sure I was provided a quote in a timely manner. Will definitely be using them if I need to in the future.
 Mandi Hemlock
  1/14/2026
   Great She's great with encouragement and looking for the best interest of my child. She's not judgemental and is there for help with anything for my kids school , or anything that can help him succeed. Very glad she helped my son
 anonymous
  1/06/2026
   Caring lawyers Xavier lawyers were amazing. They are so kind caring and so professional. He could not have asked for better representation. Thank you ladies for everything
 anonymous
  7/14/2025
   Lauryn Tully is one of the best law attorneys out there and her office staff is kind and friendly would highly recommend them for your attorney. They keep you in the loop so your not wondering what's going on with your case thank you guys so much
 Derrick Holt
  4/03/2025
   All 13 charges dropped!!! She's so good at what she does!!! She is very passionate about helping her clients. We can't say enough good things about her!! She went in there and fought so hard for my son and we won!!! Her entire staff is wonderful!
 Audrey S
  2/13/2025
   She's a BEAST!!! Lauryn was incredible to work with! She is so passionate about what she does and really fights for her clients. I can't recommend her enough!!!! Her entire team is fantastic as well!!
 Audrey
  2/12/2025
   My son and his friends got into some trouble so we spoke to Lauryn Tully and her paralegal Sha Shannon. Lauryn Tully explained what was going to happen and what she could do for us. The courts offered probation but instead of taking the easy way out… She advised us to take it to trial! A month later the case was dismissed! We are so glad to have met with Lauryn and if anyone reads this. Know that everyone at the lawfirm are professionals and they do their jobs very well! I would refer anyone to Lauryn Tully’s Lawfirm!
 Albert Dennis
  12/24/2024
   Very pleased with the results!!! My son and his friends got into some trouble so we spoke to Lauryn Tully and her paralegal Sha Shannon. Lauryn Tully explained what was going to happen and what she could do for us. The courts offered probation but instead of taking the easy way out… She advised us to take it to trial! A month later the case was dismissed! We are so glad to have met with Lauryn and if anyone reads this. Know that everyone at the lawfirm are professionals and they do their jobs very well! I would refer anyone to Lauryn Tully’s Lawfirm!
 Albert
  12/23/2024
   Lauryn's Team is Amazing We highly recommend Lauryn Tully and team. Lauryn's team seamlessly took on our case while were in the middle of the legal process, guiding us through so many unknowns. Her team was always prompt and extremely helpful when we had questions. Her personal and compassionate meetings with our teen helped ease his anxieties and helped him better understand all of the steps, his legal rights and what to anticipate. Lauryn's passion for her clients and families is unmatched. Her team was constantly in contact with us and eagerly explained any questions that we had. I would absolutely and highly recommend Lauryn and her team.
 anonymous
  12/11/2024
   I had a very good experience working with Lauryn Tully and her associates, and I would recommend others interested in their services to highly consider retaining the Law Office of Lauryn Tully. My traffic related case was handled very easily with an above preferred outcome. All I had to do was provide very basic information about myself and a few other materials, the firm handled the rest. This was my first time employing the services of a lawyer, not to mention I’m very young with little knowledge of the legal process, but everyone at the law firm made the process very easy and ensured my success with my case.
 Bogdan Richardson
  6/07/2024
   I was looking around for a lawyer for my son and even though I couldn't go with her, this group made me feel relaxed and answered my question to the point that I no longer felt overwhelmed. I would highly recommend Lauryn to anyone as they treat you with respect and actually care. Thank you for everything!
 juan garcia
  4/25/2024
   "Lauryn and her amazing team have helped tremendously. Their transparency, setting realistic expectations and top notch legal service is hands down the best I have experienced. "
 Yasmin bautista
  2/24/2024
   Your firm was very swift and effective and got it done in no time at all when we waited 6 months for nothing. So I appreciate guys so much
 Johnathan Perry
  2/08/2024
   During a very difficult time, Lauryn Tully Law Firm really made the difference in our lives. A family member had gotten into a little bit of trouble with the law and we were very confused about what was going to happen. Lauryn Tully and her team were very professional and knowledgeable about the legal system and clearly explained what we needed to do. I would highly recommend Ms. Tully for anyone needing a very smart, trustworthy lawyer who fights for what's right.”
 Jerusha Johnson
  12/27/2023
   Extraordinarily professional and responsive. I give my highest recommendation to this firm for any case that you or your family might be facing.
 Justin Leetham
  12/27/2023
   Great lawyer She did an awesome job. Case was dismissed thanks to her hard work. She was professional and personable.
 Roxanne
  12/22/2023
   Exceptional Firm. Top customer service! Extraordinarily professional and responsive. I give my highest recommendation to this firm for any case that you or your family might be facing.
 Justin
  12/22/2023
   Super great staff and terrific representation.
 Jennifer “Jennie” Wells
  3/25/2023
   Thank for the wonderful job you and your office has done in our daughter case we would highly recommend you and your office to all are friends and family
 Tiburcio Garcia
  11/29/2022
   Top Shelf!! You won't find better! My case was a traffic case that the Prosecution was dragging out. They just kept pushing the court date further out. First off, I was having trouble getting any lawyer in the Springs to take a traffic case. Attorney Tully was not only willing, but she and her staff were responsive and helpful to explain things and listen to me.
 Glenn
  6/25/2022
   The legal system is already hard enough to navigate as a lay-person without slipping through all the cracks in the judicial system like I did. There were so many irregularities throughout the entirety of my case and there was no real chance at a good outcome, it wasn’t until Lauryn was finally appointed to the case that there was some direction. I had gone through a very traumatic experience and had to relive it through the justice system that was supposed to be designed to protect and serve us. After over a year working with this case she fought for me to have the best possible outcome I could’ve imagined with my case and I’m so grateful for all her determination and hard work! I don’t think anybody else could have handled this case so professionally and made me feel so confident in such a dark spot. I really appreciate everything she did for me!
 Dez
  4/13/2022
   I meant to write my review weeks ago. I’m finally at a point where I can breathe a little. My case was a complicated one with lots of pieces playing part. Lauryn & her paralegal, Ana listened all the time to my worries & questions. It’s very important you have an attorney that doesn’t just treat you as more money for them. Lauryn is truly passionate about each client & wants to help them. She spends a lot of time researching, investigating, & everything else that goes into a case. I can say for a fact that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere close to the finally sentencing if it weren’t for her. I was up against a lot & she fought hard. At the end of the day if your attorney won’t fight for you, I would lose that attorney. Also like to note that she keeps the financial side of it separate. They’ve been very understanding & have been working with me.  Thank you SO much for all your work on my case.  Nicole
 Nicole Helena
  4/13/2022
   The legal system is already hard enough to navigate as a lay-person without slipping through all the cracks in the judicial system like I did. There were so many irregularities throughout the entirety of my case and there was no real chance at a good outcome, it wasn’t until Lauryn was finally appointed to the case that there was some direction. I had gone through a very traumatic experience and had to relive it through the justice system that was supposed to be designed to protect and serve us. After over a year working with this case she fought for me to have the best possible outcome I could’ve imagined with my case and I’m so grateful for all her determination and hard work! I don’t think anybody else could have handled this case so professionally and made me feel so confident in such a dark spot. I really appreciate everything she did for me!
 Deziree Stanford
  4/05/2022