Learning the value of VET Court

IS ‘VET COURT’ MY BEST CHOICE?

By Darrel Maddux

VETERANS HELP NET CORRESPONDENT

There may come a time when a veteran is facing a very difficult decision after being arrested for a non-violent misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor crime. That decision is whether to hire an attorney and fight the charges or plea down to a lesser charge.

It’s hard to know which is the best way to go, but did you know that there is a third option? A veteran can ask to be entered into the Veterans Enhanced Treatment (VET) Court program and can begin to work on the root causes of why they ended up in this situation.

PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury and Military Sexual Trauma can cause alcohol and drug abuse, anger control issues, social isolation and suicidal thoughts. Veterans can become abusive to family members or be arrested for a DUI. Stealing to feed a drug addiction is common as well.

PTSD is not limited to combat veterans and can result from other traumatic events and other military assignments. Graves Registration or Drone Pilots would be examples.

The Vet Court provides structure for the veteran as they begin a program to address the causes for their bad behavior and a rehabilitation program to end the downward spiral. The probation period can be reduced as well as the initial financial costs.

Military veteran mentors from the Spokane Veterans Forum are assigned to the individuals and monthly meetings reinforce the rehabilitation process. The judges in the process are non-adversarial because they want to help the offender succeed in their recovery process. The judge awards a “Certificate of Completion” once the offender completes their required rehabilitation program. The percentage of this population that re-offends within 1 year is 5.9% vs. criminal court at 60-70%.

There is a judge and a probation officer who monitor the process as required by the court system. The Spokane Veterans Forum, manned by veteran volunteers and structured to provide rehabilitation services, backs up the court system and it is free to the veteran.

The veteran mentors are a coach who reinforces positive effort and achievement. They are an essential element in the recovery as they help the mentee consider alternative decisions and actions. The mentors are available 24/7 to listen and they are non-judgmental.

The Veteran Justice Officer at the city or county jail is the contact person to discuss using the “Vet Court” program. During the booking process a veteran status question is asked and that information is made available to the Veteran Justice Officer and the Probation Officer.

Contact Jerry Gutman, Spokane Veterans Forum Mentor Advocate at (425) 785-5052 if you are interested in becoming a mentor or wish to learn more about their organization.

Please copy and save this article if you, your family member, your church member or patient might want to have it available for future reference.

COURTESY PHOTO

Representatives from VET Court presented information to the American Legion Post 9 Riders on March 19. From left, Jerry Gutman, Spokane Veterans Forum Mentor Advocate, and Daniel Dale, SVF President.