What is Veterans Court in California?

Posted on: January 25th, 2022 by Dod Law

Veterans court in California is a court program that provides veterans with alternative sentencing. The individual’s crimes must be proven as coinciding with mental health issues, sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse issues, and the result of a person’s military service. In California, the qualified veteran undergoes treatment in place of jail time for their criminal convictions.

If you are a military veteran facing charges for a criminal offense, attorney Dod Ghassemkhani and our legal team can defend you in the courtroom. Continue reading to learn more about veterans court and how our legal team can provide the legal representation you need.

How Do I Know If I Qualify for Veterans Court?

For a military veteran in the United States to be considered for veterans court, they must meet specific requirements. No matter the charges they face, the court will consider an individual’s qualifications before entering them into the program. Generally speaking, there are a few ways that you may qualify for veterans court:

• You are a veteran that suffered from the effects of military services, and these effects led to the offense you committed
• Your mental health became compromised because of your service
• You are under treatment for any of these conditions
• You are eligible for parole

If you do not currently suffer from one of these conditions, but you served in combat and were exposed to traumatic events, you may still qualify. The court will request further information about your background to determine whether or not you are eligible.

What Will Happen in Veterans Court?

As a military veteran, when you are sent to veterans court, treatment will be planned for you by the state, and it will be required as part of your sentencing. Your lawyer is permitted to suggest what kind of treatment you should receive, but the court must approve all recommendations. Your lawyer may also work with your psychiatrist or mental health professional to find a suitable program for you to participate in.

Having an experienced veterans court lawyer in California will help you fight the criminal charges you are facing. Your attorney negotiates the charges and treatment sentencing to help you recover and avoid unnecessary jail time due to your mental health issues and the adverse effects you are facing.

What Is a Mental Health Treatment Program?

Mental health treatment programs can vary in their approach, but they all share the same goal: to help the individual who is struggling with mental illness. Treatment programs can provide relief from symptoms, guidance in managing mental illness, and support in making positive changes in one’s life. Some common elements of mental health treatment programs include individual therapy, group therapy, medication management, and skills training.

Veterans court sentencing requires that the veteran undergoes treatment. This treatment may be provided by the state or by an organization that specializes in mental health treatment for veterans. The important thing is that the veteran receives the necessary care and support to address their mental health issues.

This opportunity is given to veterans facing adverse mental health effects as a result of their time spent in the military. The sentencing involves a strategic treatment plan rather than unjustly sentencing jail time for their convictions. It is a lengthy process, and having a supportive lawyer on your side will help you understand your rights as a veteran as well as develop the best way to fight your charges and formulate the best sentencing plan if needed.

How Can a Lawyer Defend Me in Veterans Court?

When a lawyer represents a veteran in court, they are responsible for helping the veteran understand the law and their rights. An experienced lawyer who specializes in veterans court cases knows what to look for when assessing a case and can provide the best legal aid in a courtroom.

Many United States veterans struggle with mental health disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression when they leave the military and integrate back into civilian life. These struggles can lead to substance abuse problems and even run-ins with the law. An experienced attorney that understands the law, as well as the challenges that veterans face, will benefit the individual facing criminal charges as a result of their service.

Contact Criminal Defense Attorney Dod for Legal Representation in California

Dod Ghassemkhani is a criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law in California for over two decades. He has extensive experience in the courtroom and has a proven track record of helping his clients obtain favorable outcomes in their cases. At Dod Law, we understand the unique challenges that military veterans face when they return to civilian life. If you are a military veteran who is facing criminal charges, contact us using our online form or give us a call at (619) 814-5110 to schedule your free consultation.