Noteboom The Law Firm

Veterans Treatment Court To Open In Central Florida

October 26, 2010 - There are thousands of people sent to jail every day in this country. Many of those people, however, would be better served by treatment programs than jail. Around the country, there are multiple veterans' courts in session and now a new one is being established in Orange and Osceola Counties in Florida, near Orlando.

Supporters of veterans' courts cite this country's obligation to take care of their soldiers in need. Veterans' courts are able to give these lost soldiers the respect and help they deserve in turning their lives around.

The majority of the veterans in veterans' court suffer from:  

• Substance abuse;
• Mental health problems; and
• Disabling emotional issues.

These are the veterans who would benefit more from treatment than jail. For those veterans charged with non-violent crimes and misdemeanors, veterans' court can become a viable option. This option allows them to get help, whether for physical addictions or mental disabilities, while staying out of jail.

The VA will aid in getting these veterans the necessary help and therapy, depending on their need. The Orange County Jail housed 1,400 veterans last year alone. The veterans' court would allow these veterans to get help and gracefully re-enter society.

There is very little financial cost to the court. Ten groups in the nation were given funding for these courts, this one being one of them. The VA will subsidize the cost of the veterans' court to prevent the local courts from paying out of pocket. The Orlando veterans' court should hear its first case in January, 2011.