TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Nov 4, 2019

Under a bipartisan bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this month, specialized criminal courts for military veterans facing minor charges would get a dedicated office in the U.S. Department of Justice. The office would coordinate grants, training and other assistance to help state and local governments set up such courts. The legislation also authorizes $25 million in new funding for the effort. The Senate recently passed a similar bill. Veterans courts allow low-level offenders to avoid criminal penalties if they complete a rehabilitation program or get treatment for mental health issues or substance abuse, Law360 reports.