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Specialized Veterans Court Opens in Miami-Dade County

Continuing the developing trend across the country, Miami-Dade County has started their very own drug court for military veterans. Like other veterans' courts, the Miami-Dade court will provide help for veterans facing low-level drug charges.

Also, like other veteran courts, various levels of assistance will be synchronized between the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the local court system. Miami's court system offers specific and dedicated counseling, in which veterans will be enrolled. Additionally, veterans will be given the opportunity to access financial assistance to be used for college education.

As with other Veterans Courts, veterans successfully completing the court's requirements will avoid being sentenced to jail or prison. Those requirements include being placed in a 1-year drug rehabilitation program, which is court-monitored. Participants must have been arrested for minor drug charges of buying or possessing and must be free of violent criminal or otherwise extensive histories.

As it is just beginning, the court is beginning with just 10 participants. It is hoped the program will expand to include about 100 veterans. In addition to random drug tests and monthly reporting to the judge, veterans will also meet with VA representatives. The VA employees will help the veterans navigate through VA-sponsored programs, such as those for vocational training and housing.

Should the veteran program prove successful, it may be expanded to include charges outside substance abuse. For now, however, the focus will be getting veterans through the substance abuse court.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.