An article in a recent issue of ABA Journal (“Battle on the Homefront“) discusses the growing numbers of veterans treatments courts across the country.  Over eighty such courts have been established in the past three and a half years, including one just established in Forrest County by Circuit Court Judge Bob Helfrich.  ”The growth – largely independent of the federal government – has been sparked by the recognition of judges, prosecutors, public defenders and legislators that a significant number of veterans are returning from the wars in Iraq and

Vet Applauded by Court, Mentors After Completing Program

Afghanistan with … issues that can manifest themselves in criminal acts great and small, and that steering them toward treatment they may have initially rejected will benefit society in the long run.”  ABA Journal, November 2011.  Although the programs typically exclude violent offenders and some others, many are eligible.  The program typically takes eighteen months (including counseling, attendance at AA meetings or the like, and random drug and alcohol screens) and can be “a very hard program.”  But the rewards, for participants, their families, and society, can be significant.  Nationally, 70% of defendants  finish the program and 75% are not re-arrested for at least two years.

I am proud to be a military and Iraq veteran and a former assistant district attorney.  If you are a veteran or have a loved one who is and you have questions about these courts, please feel free contact me.  I would be pleased to speak with you.