CBS Sunday Morning features Veterans Courts

Over Memorial Day weekend, CBS Sunday Morning featured the emergence of Veterans Court across the country to address the needs of veterans who become involved in the criminal justice system. 

May 24, 2015

Giving an Iraq vet a fighting chance

A FIGHTING CHANCE to make things right is what many veterans in trouble with the law say they want most. And in some cases, they're finding that chance in a special kind of courtroom. Our Cover Story is reported now by Mark Strassmann: 

"Everybody coming here for one specific reason, and that's to give a second chance for every veteran.

Staff Sgt. Tommy Rieman is a certified American hero, a recipient of the Silver Star for valor in Iraq. But the bravest thing he ever did was fight to get his life back.

To appreciate the significance of the ceremony held in Harnett County in North Carolina, you first have to learn Rieman's story -- all of it, its remarkable highs and sorrowful lows.

"I think I came out the womb with a uniform on," Rieman laughed. "For me, there was nothing greatest than the honor to put on the uniform and represent this country."

In December of 2003, Rieman was on his first deployment in Iraq when his three-vehicle convoy drove into a death trap.

"We were ambushed by 35 guys. Got hit with three RPGs, three IEDs and a bunch a small gun fire," he said. "And I used my body as a shield to protect my gunner, and took a shot in the arm and the chest and shrapnel to my legs.

"All eight of us survived. And for that I received the Silver Star and a Purple Heart."

When he got home, Rieman traveled the country as a military spokesman. He even had a feature role in a combat video game and his own action figure.

And there was one salute he did not expect. In his 2007 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush singled out Rieman for his heroism.

"Tommy Rieman was a teenager pumping gas in Independence, Kentucky, when he enlisted in the U.S. Army," the president remarked. "He has earned the respect and the gratitude of our entire country."

But while he was being hailed on national television as a hero, Nieman told Strassmann, "I didn't feel like a hero, that's for sure. I felt like a complete piece of garbage at times."

Rieman had come home a hero, but a haunted one. He was battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD) and alcoholism. "I was drinking two bottles of whiskey a day, and anything else I could get my hands on." He lost his marriage, his house, almost everything that was special to him.

"I was a changed person," he said. "I was full of hatred. I didn't want to communicate. I became the man I never wanted to be."

With his life in freefall, Rieman tried to commit suicide -- first in Iraq, and then after he got home.

His second attempt was on September 1, 2013. "Popped some pills, drank a bit. And went on with it. And got the truck up to 70 miles an hour, and said, 'See ya,' and hit the tree. I closed my eyes. Hit the tree. And opened my eyes and there wasn't a scratch on me. And I was angry about that."

The man once hailed as a true American hero had hit rock bottom.

Rieman was arrested for drunk driving, a path he's certain would have meant the end of his life. Instead, he was handed a lifeline.

Click here to read the full article and watch the video.

Bay Area Spotlight: San Mateo County's Veterans Treatment Court

Special court helps veterans with addictions
By Callie Shanafelt
California Health Report 

San Mateo County Superior Court Judge John Grandsaert started Northern California’s 

newest veteran’s treatment court last July. (Photo: Callie Shanafelt/California Health Report)

San Mateo County’s Veteran’s Treatment Court looks like a typical criminal courtroom on a recent morning. Three men in orange jumpsuits sit in a holding area in the front near two bailiffs as the session begins. A row of lawyers and court staff, all wearing business suits, has case files at the ready. At the back of the room, social workers and defendants sit in army green and gray theater-style seats.

But what happens at Veteran’s Treatment Court is anything but typical. Modeled on drug treatment courts, this court provides extra support and treatment opportunities for military veterans.

San Mateo Judge John Grandsaert started Northern California’s newest veteran’s treatment court last July.

First, he had to convince the county that the court would not mean an additional hit to the county budget. In the past five years, California trial courts have lost nearly one billion dollars to budget cuts – an unprecedented amount. San Mateo Court has cut its total staff by 30 percent, even as caseloads increased after reforms to the state prison system.

“It’s not a good environment for starting new courts in light of the terrible budget squeeze that we’re under,” Grandsaert said.

But he was able to create the Veteran’s Treatment Court by limiting admission to the program and tapping into the resources of veteran support networks.

Judge Grandsaert sits behind a raised corner desk framed by the U.S. and California flags when court is in session. The state seal hangs above his head. He speaks in a soothing and encouraging tone to each veteran that comes before him—reminiscent of how a supportive father would speak to his son.

In fact, Grandsaert has a particular passion for veterans because his own son is in the Air Force and he spent 17 years in the Army reserve. He thinks vets deserve special treatment in the criminal justice system.

“Veterans have already sacrificed part of their life in service to their country,” Grandsaert said.

There are more than 23 million vets in the United States, according to the Veteran’s Administration. The VA also estimates that one third of the homeless population has served in the military. Vets aren’t more likely to be arrested, but those who are in the criminal justice system are more likely to have problems with addiction.

Vets in the San Mateo Court have already been convicted of a crime. They usually end up on Grandsaert’s radar because of a probation violation or referral. Defendants agree to be closely monitored during probation. In exchange, they get extra support and opportunities through the court.

If they successfully complete the program, Grandsaert expunges their record and forgives their fines.

He estimates it will take vets 18 months to three years to go through the program. If they don’t progress with their treatment, they can be removed.

Click here to read the full article.

In the News: "New San Francisco court program helps military veterans"

On April 4, 2013, the Bay Area's KGO-ABC7 News reported on the opening of the San Francisco Veterans Justice Court with Judge Braden Woods presiding.

VIDEO AVAILABLE HERE.

New San Francisco court program helps military veterans

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- There's a new court program in San Francisco that helps military veterans who get into trouble with the law. It's called the "Veterans Justice Court." It's a program that's had tremendous success in other cities that have adopted it.

Judge Braden Woods will run the pilot court program. The crimes range from misdemeanors to non-violent felonies. The defendants have one thing in common -- they're all veterans.

Presiding Judge Cynthia Lee was the driving force behind veterans court, "It's an opportunity to give them and to give the court a different way to reintegrate them into the community," she said.

It's a collaborative effort between the court and the Veterans Administration. Elizabeth Brett will be the VA's liaison.

"The focus in a court like this is on treatment and connecting veterans to treatment," Brett said.
And that's the key. It works like a medical triage. Not only are there VA counselors, there are prosecutors, public defenders, and probation officers all trying to create a supportive environment, not the contentious one which often exists in regular courts.

Defendants like Richard Davis are applauded when they do well with their treatment program. Davis is an Army infantry veteran who was arrested on drug charges. He believes this court will help others like him go straight.

"They just have demons that they have to work through themselves and this court gives you that opportunity," Davis said.

Make no mistake, Judge Woods will be tough when defendants stray. But there's a lot of encouragement, too. And a lot of straight talk.

Deputy public defender Brian Pearlman says that this collaborative approach seems to work well with veterans.

"I think with veterans, they have a multitude of issues dealing with a lot of post-traumatic stress, dealing with drug issues," Pearlman said.

The addition of a veterans court comes at a time when the courts in general are struggling financially. Their budgets have been slashed.

But Judge Lee says she's been able to find the resources necessary to make this program work because it's a priority.

(Copyright ©2013 KGO-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)

SF VA Medical Center Announces "First Veterans Justice Court Opens in San Francisco"

The Department of Veterans Affairs' San Francisco VA Medical Center released the following information about San Francisco's new Veterans Justice Court.

First Veterans Justice Court Opens in San Francisco

By Kellie Burdette Mendonca, Public Affairs Specialist

April 5, 2013

For the first time ever, a Veterans Justice Court (VJC) has opened at 575 Polk Street in San Francisco. What makes this court unique is that it applies to Veterans charged with non-violent alcohol or drug-related felonies who may be experiencing life difficulties such as mental health issues or homelessness.

Instead of spending time in jail, Veterans are diverted and sentences are either delayed or replaced with treatment for a period (usually 12-18 months) during which medical and mental health treatment is provided by the San Francisco VA Medical Center (SFVAMC). If this diversion is successful, the Veteran is less likely to repeat the behaviors and offenses that resulted in court system involvement.

“The new VJC is a collaboration between the San Francisco Superior Court, the Department of Public Health, community-based service agencies, and our Medical Center,” said Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist Elizabeth Brett, LCSW, who serves as a liaison between the court and the VA.

The intention of the VJC is to connect Veterans who have mental health, substance abuse and medical issues, to treatment in a timely manner, while avoiding lengthy incarcerations and further involvement with the justice system.

The VJC currently focuses on Veterans living in specific geographic areas in San Francisco: the Tenderloin, SOMA, Civic Center and Union Square, who have misdemeanors or non-violent felonies. The process includes clinical meetings where updates are provided by treatment staff, and a court process that allows each involved Veteran to get feedback on their progress from the judge.

The goal of the VJC is to help Veterans with untreated mental health and substance abuse, receive and stay connected to treatment over a longer period of time in lieu of incarceration. Treatment may range from residential treatment and structured outpatient treatment, to drop-in groups at the VA Downtown Clinic (401 3rd St. at Harrison).  “Also, most of the Veterans involved in this court are currently homeless or at risk for homelessness, and this will offer them an opportunity to be considered for permanent housing through the VA’s HUD/VASH program,” said Brett. “Another benefit for the Veteran is, if he completes the VJC, his charges may be dismissed or reduced, which would be helpful in securing future employment and housing.”

It’s not all smooth sailing. The court incorporates both rewards and sanctions to keep Veterans motivated in treatment. Rewards may include praise, reduced court appearances, gift cards for lunch with the judge, and time off probation. Sanctions can include increased court appearances, community service, journaling—and in some more serious cases—to be placed back in custody.

“We are very excited to start the Veterans Justice Court in San Francisco, and we look forward to the court’s expansion to include Veterans throughout all of San Francisco, and to address more serious charges,” said Brett.

Other plans involve a Veteran peer mentoring program that will pair court participants with a peer mentor who will support the Veteran throughout his involvement in the court. “We are also developing relationships with local law schools to provide services for a legal clinic at our Downtown Clinic to address civil related legal issues for Veterans,” said Brett. “Often times our Veterans are caught in a cycle—they have civil legal issues which result in their becoming homeless, which leads to criminal justice involvement. Hopefully this legal service, along with the new VJC, will help prevent that cycle.”

For more information about the VJC or the Veterans Justice Outreach Program, contact Elizabeth Brett, LCSW, at elizabeth.brett@va.gov.

Veterans' Courts

Judge Stephen Manley, a fervent advocate for collaborative courts, was a guest of KQED's Forum with Michael Krasny on Monday, November 12, 2012. Judge Manley and other guests discussed Veterans' Courts, including the Santa Clara County Veterans' Treatment Court where Judge Manley presides.

Veterans' Courts

When veterans get in trouble with the law, substance abuse and mental health issues stemming from their military service are often contributing factors. A growing number of counties in the U.S., including Santa Clara, have set up special courts for veterans that favor treatment over punishment. How well do such programs work?
Host: Scott Shafer

Guests:

• Christopher Deutsch, director of communications for Justice for Vets, which advocates for the creation of veterans treatment courts
• Nick Stefanovic, U.S. Marine, combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and graduate of the Rochester, New York Veterans Treatment Court
• Stephen Manley, judge in the Santa Clara County Superior Court presiding over the Veterans Treatment Court
• Wendy Lindley, Orange County Superior Court judge overseeing the special treatment court for veterans

Click here to listen to the full episode.

Veterans Treatment Courts Featured on 60 Minutes

This blog post features an email circulated by Justice for Vets and the National Association of Drug Court Professionals on October 15, 2012.

60 Minutes Hails Veterans Treatment Courts

Last night, 60 Minutes hailed Veterans Treatment Courts for providing ‘Justice for our Veterans’ in a story profiling the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court in Texas. Over thirteen million viewers tuned in for the gripping segment that told the story of several veterans who found redemption in Veterans Treatment Court after coming home and struggling to cope with substance abuse and trauma. “Every two weeks, the vet reports to the judge. Troublemakers are kicked out and sent to the regular probation system. But there haven't been many of those, only nine out of 100 vets so far,” said correspondent Scott Pelley. “Because of that, veterans' courts like this have sprung up in 27 states. There are 100 already with another 100 planned.”

As seen in the story, Arthur Davis was facing twenty years in prison when he became one of the first participants in the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court. The decorated veteran served two decades in the Marine Corps, completing four combat deployments. When he returned home for the final time, he had difficulty engaging with his surroundings, drank to self medicate, and was soon arrested for assault. Thanks to the collaboration in Harris County, he was able to receive treatment for substance abuse and PTSD. Today, Arthur Davis has been sober for two years. “It put me back in a leadership position,” Davis said. “The veterans' court, they prescribed a nice detailed pattern of what you needed to do in order to get on board. And it works.”

In 2011, the Harris County Veterans Treatment Court attended Justice For Vets’ Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative (VTCPI), a comprehensive five-day training for new and planned Veterans Treatment Court teams. “Judge Carter and his team are a shining example of how Veterans Treatment Court can transform a community. I congratulate them on this story and thank them for their commitment to ensuring no veteran is left behind,” said Justice For Vets Director Matt Stiner. “Every Veterans Treatment Court should feel proud of last night’s story on 60 Minutes. It is a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who work in these courts, and the incredible capacity for change of the men and women who are served by them. This story sends a strong message that Veterans Treatment Courts will forever change the way the criminal justice system handles veterans.”

To view the entire story, click here.