I am Veteran and Facing Criminal Charges in Los Angles County. Does Los Angeles County Have a Veteran’s Court?
Many people might not know this, but various counties throughout California have a special, Veteran’s Court that caters to veterans of the United States military. For example, this court is established and has been up and running in Orange County for several years now. It has received great reviews. Now, Los Angeles County is getting into the act and has recently begun a Veteran’s Court in Los Angeles County.
In order to be eligible for Veteran’s Court in Los Angeles County, an individual must first be a veteran of the United States military.
The individual must be facing a non-violent and non-serious criminal charge. Also, the individual must not have suffered any prior felony strike convictions. Lastly, he or she must be in need of drug, alcohol, mental health, and/or veteran specific treatment services. However, if an individual does not meet these specific guidelines but his defense counsel believes that he or she would otherwise be a good candidate for Veteran’s Court in Los Angles County, deviation can be sought from a Veteran’s Court Deputy District Attorney who will present facts and circumstances to the District Attorney Director of Central Operations, for further consideration.
Moreover, if an individual’s defense counsel believes that a client is appropriate for Veteran’s Court, then the defense counsel can start the process by contacting the United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) justice “inreach” representative. The VA “inreach” representative will then attempt to confirm the individual’s Veteran’s status. When the individual and his counsel go to court, all parties including the judge, the prosecutor, and defense counsel, will agree to refer the individual for further evaluation. Next, the individual will be referred to the VA for assessment as to suitability for Veteran’s Court and for a recommendation as to the best program for the individual.
We hope this gives you some helpful insight into the Veteran’s Court in Los Angeles County. If you or a loved one are a veteran and facing criminal charges in Los Angeles County, call Wallin and Klarich today. Wallin and Klarich has a team of highly skilled, aggressive criminal defense attorneys ready to take your call 7 days week, 24 hours a day!
Wallin and Klarich has been in the business of helping people with their criminal defense matters for over 40 years and we would like to help you with yours! A qualified, experienced attorney from the firm will be able to evaluate your case when you call.
