The Veteran’s Court Program

A Tarrant County Criminal Defense Firm Dedicated to Protecting the Rights of Veterans

Even the government recognizes that the criminal justice system shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all proposition. This recognition, in turn, has led to the creation of diversion programs, which are meant to serve certain classes of defendants who would not be well served by the normal criminal justice system.

Veterans are one of these groups. Veteran’s courts have been created to divert veterans away from the traditional criminal justice system and into appropriate rehabilitative alternatives that will allow these individuals to lead productive, law-abiding lifestyles.

Unfortunately, even if you are a veteran, you may have to fight for the opportunity to participate in this program. The first step toward winning that fight is hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows how to make the law and the system work for his clients.

Basic Eligibility Requirements and Info

In order to participate in the program, you must:

• Be a veteran or current member of the United States Armed Forces, the Armed Forces Reserves, the National Guard or the State Guard
• Have received a clinical diagnosis of a brain injury, mental illness or mental disorder, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, which resulted from your military service in a combat zone or another similarly hazardous duty area
• Establish that this service-connected injury, illness or condition materially affected your conduct as it pertains to the current charge

If you are allowed to participate in the veteran’s court program, an individualized treatment plan, lasting anywhere from six months to two years, will be developed for you. There will be a number of conditions attached to that plan, which you will have to meet, including entering a plea of guilty to the offense. If you complete the program, however, the guilty plea goes away and the original case is dismissed. This is an extremely beneficial outcome because it means that you will be eligible for an expunction of the arrest and charges at a later date.

Defense You Can Rely On

Our law firm offers effective legal guidance and representation both inside and outside of the courtroom. If you are a veteran and have been arrested or charged with a crime in the Fort Worth or Tarrant County areas of North Texas, call 817-545-3309 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with defense lawyer David E. Cook.