SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County judge has started a new kind of court program.
The judge will oversee a specific court, for the growing number of military veterans now facing criminal charges after returning home. The goal is to help veterans, before it's too late.
More and more veterans are coming back from serving their country and winding up in court.
It's a problem that Seminole County Circuit Judge John Woodard said is only getting worse. He's doing something about it.
"The system tended to overlook, and not address, the real issues that may be occurring with the veterans, said Woodard, which is why he started Veterans Court last year. Now the state will require all circuits do the same.
Army veteran Corbin Brown was arrested for disorderly conduct. His case was heard in Veterans Court.
If Brown follows a treatment plan, his charges will be dropped.
"At some point I felt alone, you know? I see how the court system has developed this new program specifically for veterans, to help veterans with certain needs," said Brown.
The State Attorney's office is also on board with Veterans Court, saying it's better to deal with individuals in the courtroom then to have them wind up committing a more serious crime later on.
"It's not special treatment. It's treatment designed to meet a particular need," said Assistant State Attorney Domenick Leo.
The court hands down punishment and treatment plans. Most of the programs are funded federally through the Veterans Administration.
The aim is to get vets help before desperation, or mental or physical illness leads to more serious offenses.
After their arrests in Seminole County, veterans are identified and invited to have their case heard in Veterans Court.
They can say no. But those who say yes are afforded specific treatment and punishment based on their history of war-related mental or physical health issues.
Seminole and Brevard are the only two local counties offering Veterans Court so far.
WFTV
