Veteran facing criminal charges

Question:

I am a veteran facing criminal charges and I need some resources like an attorney that understands veterans.

Jim's Reply:

I'd argue that point with you...the last thing you want is a sympathetic attorney, you need an attorney who understands criminal law. That you're a veteran may or may not carry any weight in the situation you've gotten into. There are some courts that will offer a veteran a break but most just want to adjudicate your alleged offenses and get on with it. 

Veterans are civilians and must obey civilian laws. When a veteran is charged with a crime, that's a civilian problem, not a VA problem, and you're pretty much on your own in the criminal justice system.

If you have a lot of money you can choose just about any criminal defense lawyer you want to. Otherwise, you have some tougher choices to make.

Unless you're indigent you'll want to search in your region and choose a criminal defense lawyer you like and who you are able to afford. Veterans don't get free lawyers in criminal defense cases.

If you're indigent you can look in your region for legal aid or the court will assign an attorney to you. Good luck.

  • PS from StatesideLegal:  In many states, Veteran Treatment Courts have been established to address the issues faced by veterans involved with the criminal justice system.  You can check here to see if a VTC exists in your area.  You may also want to check with the Veteran Justice Officer at your VA facility to see if that person has recommendations for local counsel experienced in working with veterans.