Noteboom The Law Firm

Palm Beach County Should Have Veterans Court By December

September 15, 2010 - Veterans courts are fairly new entities in the legal system. They are specially designed courts to help veterans who have run afoul of the law. Veterans courts are quickly becoming popular in the legal community and are popping up all over the country. Now West Palm Beach, Florida, will get their own veterans treatment court, and it should be fully operational by December.

According to a VA spokeswoman, it is important veterans know they have not been forgotten. In order for the veterans court to succeed, veterans must understand the Veterans court are there to help them and to put them on the right track. Veterans courts do not operate in the same fashion as regular courts.

When veterans charged with crimes come into the veterans courts, they are provided with options for treatment. The court will offer veterans the following services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA):  

• Substance abuse counseling;
• Mental health reviews; and
• Housing.

A brief investigation uncovered 362 veterans that would have been eligible for veterans court last year between June and December. Despite criticism of the veterans court, the courts do not exist simply to give preferential treatment. Their purpose is to get veterans into needed treatment through existing VA programs.

The court will accept charges ranging from misdemeanors to the highest felonies. Veterans courts provide positive alternatives for veterans who have gotten in trouble with the law and may afford them a second chance.