Noteboom The Law Firm

Palm Beach County Veterans Court Now Hearing Cases

November 18, 2010 - Today is a significant date for the Palm Beach County Veterans Court. Chief Judge Peter Blanc of the 15th Judicial Circuit signed an administrative order giving the Veterans' Court the ability to hear their first docket and November 18th is that date.

Those veterans charged with crimes will be picked from the system and given treatment options to include: 

• Substance abuse treatment;
• Mental health evaluations; and
• Housing.

Between June and December of 2009, just over 360 veterans appeared in front of the Palm Beach County courts for the first time. Veterans can be charged with both misdemeanors and felonies and still be diverted to the Veterans' Court. The Court's options, however, are limited when it comes to cases involving more severe crimes.

One thing the Veterans' Court stresses is veterans are not being given special treatment. Instead, they are being given the opportunity to enroll in already established Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) programs in hopes the treatment the veterans receive will prevent them from committing crimes in the future.

The Veterans' Court's goal is to put veterans who have made mistakes back on track and headed in the right direction. Many veterans commit crimes because they are either desperate or suffer from mental health issues. When they appear in court, they will do so with mentors at their side to help them through the program and hopefully ensure their success.