Orlando, FL – The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court established Veterans Court to address the special needs of justice-involved veterans. This Wednesday, November 12, at 1:30 p.m. a handful of veterans are scheduled to graduate from the program. Judge Brewer, who is a veteran, will preside over the proceedings in Courtroom 7C.
Completing its first year, the Orange County Veterans Court program has been a success. The Ninth Circuit has partnered with the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, VA, probation, and the Safety Council as 10 veterans have successfully completed the program. Besides successfully completing the program, staff aims to curb the recidivism rates for these veterans and to restore them to a more productive life.
Many veterans are unaware of their VA eligibility status. Working in conjunction with a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist, veterans enrolled in the program receive vital information about available VA resources, such as medical care, mental health treatment, substance abuse treatment and housing accommodations. These resources help veterans make better life choices so they can contribute more positively to society.
Veterans must be eligible for acceptance into the program, and the victim and State Attorney must consent to their participation. Upon qualifying, veterans are placed in a diversion program and are assigned a mentor who supervises the veteran while they complete the program. Once a veteran successfully completes the program, which may take up to 18 months, the charges are nolle prossed. There are currently 75 veterans enrolled in the program, of which 7 are females.
For additional information, please contact Julio Semino, Court Support Manager, at ctadjs1@ocnjcc.org or call 407-836-0403.