I wanted to share with you something I learned at a CLE in Austin today. The Travis County Attorney’s office has initiated a “veteran’s court” designed to deal with veterans suffering from PTSD and/or Traumatic brain injuries who also get into non-violent criminal difficulties.
This program is apparently specifically statutorily authorized, funded by a Governor’s grant, and results in dismissal of the criminal charges.
I think it’s set up like the high-touch DWI/Drug courts where the veteran reports to court quite often for a short-duration probation. They have benefits specialists on hand who work to get the veterans the government benefits they might qualilfy for but have a hard time accessing like housing, mental health treatment, etc.
This really sounds like a good deal for veterans in need. If you have clients arrested down in Travis County, keep this program in mind and give me a shout if you need more info.