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September 17, 2010 - There are about 40 veterans courts around the nation with many more under construction. Once veterans plead guilty to their charge, the veterans courts allow veterans to avoid jail and be placed on strict probation, which typically includes intensive treatment programs. In most cases, the treatment programs focus on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Successful completion of the program leads to the dismissal of the charge against the veteran. If the veteran fails to comply with the program's requirements, they are put back into court to face prosecution.
Traditionally, veterans courts handle misdemeanors and some lower level felonies. The vast majority of these cases are drugs and PTSD related crimes. There is a new trend in these courts, one in which the Santa Ana, CA veterans court is in the forefront. This trend is accepting veterans charged with violent crimes. In doing so, veterans court detractors say allowing violent criminals to avoid jail because they were in the military is not logical or fair.
People in favor of taking violent criminals into the court system see it as an opportunity to break a history of recidivism existent among veterans since Vietnam. One in five Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have mental health issues. These are the people veterans courts seek to help. PTSD symptoms often become noticeable when the veteran acts out in violent behavior so it stands to reason these courts should be accepting cases where certain violent behaviors are involved.
The Santa Ana veterans court consists of a judge, a public defender, a district attorney, a probation officer, and a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) outreach worker. The veterans are placed on 18 months of probation, mandated treatment at the VA, court appearances, random home inspections, and random drug testing.
Many veterans do not get the proper and/or necessary mental health treatment while still in the service. Many are not aware of the help available to them when they leave the service. Veterans courts give these veterans the second chance many of them deserve as they are at the mercy of mental health problems brought on by their time in the service.
Soldiers can return home with a number of conditions, injuries, and aggravated preexisting conditions. If you believe you have a service-connected physical or psychological injury you may be entitled to Veterans’ Disability Compensation.
At LaVan and Neidenberg, we are determined to secure veterans their rightful disability compensation and disability rating. We wrote this book for you! In it you will find valuable tips on how to navigate the claims process and avoid common pitfalls. Request your FREE copy today!
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