Veterans Court

The Florida legislature has recognized that many of these problems exist thankfully. Under Florida Statute 948.16, the legislature mandated the creation of a veteran’s treatment program in every circuit court of the state. The veterans treatment program in Pinellas county has taken form as an arm of the Drug Court treatment program. Through the Veteran’s court program, qualifying servicemembers who have been charged with a criminal offense can enter the treatment program and be linked with specific VA treatment plans as an alternative to litigating their case in court. In Pinellas, a veteran must show that he or she suffers from either a physical or mental ailment as a result of their service, and that that ailment contributed to the criminal offense that he or she is facing. A skilled St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney can ensure that your case makes it into the Veteran’s treatment court if that is what you desire for your case.

Once enrolled in the veterans program, the court will typically require the defendant to appear in court once a month to monitor the veteran’s treatment progress. During the program, the veteran will be required to attend treatment through the VA for substance abuse, mental health concerns, or physical disabilities. If the veteran makes progress and complies with the court orders, the monthly court visits will typically turn into status hearings every other month or once every four months. Typically, after one year of treatment in a Veteran’s treatment program, the defense can petition for the dismissal of any pending criminal charges.

For almost all of the history of this country, the men and women of our military have shed their blood and given their lives to defend the freedoms and interests of the people of the United States of America. For almost as long as they’ve been asked to do that duty, those military men and women have been disrespected by the country that asks so much of them. Especially now, active military members receive low pay and meager benefits. And veterans who seek out healthcare find that the VA is understaffed and of meager quality. Our veterans deserve so much more.

One thing that veterans have no shortage of is physical and mental disabilities. The rigors of active duty and the warring nature of our nation result in veterans returning home with serious physical injuries, burns, and missing limbs. Even more common, veterans from combat zones often return home with serious post traumatic stress disorder and other detrimental mental health issues. Often times, these veterans, unable to find sufficient treatment through the VA, end up self medicating with alcohol or illicit drugs. Or having been lazily prescribed opioids by their doctor, end up dabbling in heroin or other problematic substances. Too often we see veterans end up charged with substance abuse related offenses. If you are one of these veterans, don’t hesitate to reach out to a dedicated St. Petersburg criminal lawyer so you can learn how we might help defend your case.

Obtaining a dismissal of all criminal charges is the ultimate goal that we seek for all of our clients. We make sure to analyze the cases of our clients in detail to determine every possible option so that the client can make the best decision for his or her individual case. If you are a veteran charged with a crime, veterans court may be the best option for you. In order to make that decision, you should not hesitate to reach out to a dedicated St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney right away. To set up an appointment with our lawyers, call today at 727.289.0222.