Service dog at trial was issue of first impression

Trial Notebook

By Steven P. Garmisa

Hoey & Farina

Posted February 9, 2021 11:26 AM

Based on the Americans with Disabilities Act, a McHenry County judge allowed a service dog to accompany 16-year-old R.L. in the witness box when David J. Tapley was tried for alleged aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Presenting a question of first impression, Tapley appealed after he was convicted and sentenced to five years in prison.R.L.’s mental health records showed she suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD qualifies as a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act.During a pre-trial hearing …

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