Traumatized vets would get special consideration if they commit certain crimes, under proposed law

By Julio Olivencia

Veteran's advocates are pushing for a law that would allow veterans with certain service-related medical conditions to enter a treatment plan in lieu of incarceration.

The Justice for Our Veterans Act (S.05624-a/A.07529-a) creates a process by which an individual charged with a crime can be evaluated by a health care professional to determine if a service-related injury played a role in the commission of the crime and whether or not the individual is recommended for an "alternate disposition program."

Art Cody, legal director of New York Defenders Association Veterans Defense Program and an Afghanistan war veteran, said the legislation would provide a "criminal justice framework" that would ensure the "fair process and treatment [veterans] deserve in the criminal justice system."

http://www.legislativegazette.com/Articles-Top-Stories-c-2014-06-16-88302.113122-Traumatized-vets-would-get-special-consideration-if-they-commit-certain-crimes-under-proposed-law.html