Michigan’s Veterans Court Programs Offer Support for Struggling Veterans

Northville, MI (Law Firm Newswire) January 27, 2015 – Many veterans develop drug and alcohol addiction related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning home, and they may end up facing criminal charges as a result of these issues. Michigan currently has 20 veterans treatment courts designed to provide alternative consequences and treatments specific to the veteran population.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, about 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD. This issue is closely related to another striking statistic – in 2004, about 10 percent of inmates were veterans.

“Veterans with PTSD are much more likely to suffer from drug and alcohol addiction and to get into other types of legal trouble,” said Jim Fausone, a veterans disability attorney in Michigan. “Michigan’s veterans treatment courts are specialized to veterans’ needs, and they can play a role in assisting veterans on the road to sobriety.”

In addition to PTSD or addiction, some veterans are dealing with the effects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can impact judgment, emotional regulation and personality. Many of these veterans do not ask for or receive help until they are facing legal trouble.

Michigan’s 20 veterans treatment courts, the most offered by any state, present alternative legal consequences and specialized treatments for veteran and current service members who are in the criminal justice system. The goal of these programs is to promote sobriety and recovery for veterans who may be deeply troubled.

Treatment courts are sometimes able to reduce sentences or charges in exchange for treatment. Other resources offered by the court include peer-to-peer and veteran-to-veteran mentoring for veterans facing criminal charges.

Learn more at http://www.legalhelpforveterans.com Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC 41700 West Six Mile Road, Suite 101 Northville, MI 48168 Toll Free Phone: 800.693.4800