Question:
My son is a wounded Vet who got into some criminal trouble and needs a defense attorney and it seems like such a difficult task to get one for him. I have been trying to get him into Veterans Court in the state of Missouri but I have not had success. Can you help me please?
Jim's Reply:
I'm afraid that there is little assistance available for veterans who find themselves in a civilian criminal court or worse, in confinement. Veterans are ultimately civilians and responsible for their behavior just as any civilian would be. Those veterans courts have been good efforts but from my own observations, they aren't making much of a difference overall. The veteran who is in the criminal justice system will have to rely on a criminal defense attorney if he can afford one or he will have to hope for a good public defender or local legal aid if such can be found.
- PS from StatesideLegal: In every state, the VA has several "Veteran Justice Officers" that are intended to help low-income veterans navigate help, including legal assistance, where they become involved in a criminal proceeding. The list and contact information for current VJO's by state is available here. YOu can also use the "Find Legal Help" directory to look for LRS providers and request a low-cost consultation with an attorney who has experience with criminal defense and the local Veteran Treatment Court system.