Ethan Couch’s lawyer: Teen may be in Mexico against his will

“It’s so important to get it transferred to adult court because if he continues to act this way, he can be held accountable”, said MADD North Texas executive director Jason Derscheid, who is among those who plan to attend the hearing. However, the judge delayed the hearing shortly after it started, after Couch’s attorneys said his parents weren’t properly notified of the proceedings. The hearing was rescheduled for February 19.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving hopes to net more than 60,000 signatures on an online petition to “Fight Affluenza” teen Couch. Attorneys for the family are investigating whether or not Tonya Couch influenced her son to flee Texas, this while he is still under probation for the fatal 2013 crash that killed four people. Tonya Couch was quickly deported and has been released on bond in Texas.

FILE – This Dec. 28, 2015 file photo, released by Mexico’s Jalisco state prosecutor’s office shows who authorities identify as Ethan Couch, after he was taken into custody in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The party was likely a violation of the probation deal that kept him out of prison after he was convicted of four counts of intoxication manslaughter.

When asked by CNN whether Couch, the so-called “affluenza” teenager, was taken against his will to Mexico, Brown replied, “I don’t think that’s what I said”. The condition is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the American Psychiatric Association.

Earlier Tuesday, Brown said he was investigating whether the 18-year-old fled to Mexico or was taken against his will. Reuters also reported that Couch’s lawyers argued that the case against him should be suspended until he returns from Mexico.

Attorneys for Couch said the 18-year-old is dropping his deportation fight in Mexico as they investigate whether he fled there or was brought against his wishes. Couch was sentenced to probation rather than the lengthy prison term prosecutors has sought in the case.

After the hearing, Brown, who represented Couch during his 2013 trial, said he has learned that documents have been filed by Couch in Mexico that could set his return to the U.S.in motion.

If Couch’s case is moved to adult court, his probation could extend beyond his 19th birthday in April.