Success Stories Military Veteran Gets a Fair Shake

Unfortunately, our client put his faith in someone whose idea to get some extra money involved fraud and auto theft. Feeling the pressure of dealing with his return to civilian life, our client was convinced to follow a simple but illegal plan: find an apparently abandoned vehicle on the side of the road, tow it to his own property, and then file for a lien sale with the Department of Motor Vehicles. He then could buy the vehicles for next to nothing, repair the cars, and sell them at a profit.

The problem was that the vehicles were not abandoned. When the owners returned back to where they left their cars, they called the police to report the cars stolen. It did not take long for the police to piece together what had happened. They found the vehicles at our client’s property and arrested him. He was then charged with two counts of felony vehicle theft, which could have led to nearly four years behind bars.

Working Through the Veteran’s Court

Some veterans have difficulty with mental health upon return from combat, and breaking the law is often a symptom of this struggle. To help those who have served our country, the Veteran’s Court system was established as an alternative justice system that recognizes these difficulties and helps veterans with compassion instead of retribution.

Soon after being charged, our client called our offices for help with his case. We immediately identified him as a good candidate for referral to the Veteran’s Court.  After presenting mitigating evidence and documentation of my client’s military service, the judge agreed to refer the case to the Veteran’s Court.

Our client was accepted into the program. Instead of jail time, his case was diverted (Diversion Programs), allowing him to complete an 18-month program. So long as he does so, and abides by the probationary terms, his felony conviction will be reduced to a misdemeanor and dismissed. However, if he violates the terms of the Veteran’s Court program, the judge may sentence him to additional custody time, up to a maximum of 3 years.

Avoiding Jail Time

Helping a client avoid incarceration means we have given our client a better chance at avoiding the harsh consequences of running afoul of the law. In this case, not only will our client be able to live free, but he will also receive treatment and counseling through the Department of Veteran’s Affairs to help him overcome the mental health issues related to his military service. If he successfully completes the program, then he will not have a felony conviction on his record and will have better opportunities to maintain gainful employment in the future.

Contact the Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich As Soon As Possible

At Wallin & Klarich, we are especially sensitive to the legal needs of our country’s veterans. Our attorneys have over 40 years of experience working with people accused of crimes, including veterans who have served in combat. We are committed to helping guide each client through their case, whether it be in a veteran’s court or superior court. Our attorneys are always available to answer your questions and will use all of our legal skills and knowledge to help you receive the best possible outcome in your case.

With offices in Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, West Covina, Torrance, and Victorville, there is an experienced and skilled Wallin & Klarich criminal defense attorney available to help you no matter where you are located.

Contact our offices today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245 for a free, no-obligation phone consultation. We will get through this together.