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March 3, 2010

Consider special veterans court system

Anonymous The Tribune-Democrat Wed Mar 03, 2010, 02:36 PM EST

THE TRIBUNE-DEMOCRAT

We support the concept of setting up a special veterans court system to deal with the needs of those who have seen time in combat.

We do not support softer sentencing for those veterans convicted of violent crimes. But more can be done to address the problems some veterans face.

And we oppose the Veteran Administration’s practice of pulling access to evaluation and therapy for veterans convicted of crimes.

The issue arose locally in connection with the struggles of Iraq war veteran John Fletcher, who is accused of various crimes – from criminal trespass and a bomb threat to bank robbery.

Fletcher said he is being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder, an anxiety condition experienced by some who return from battle.

Lisa Lazzari, chief public defender in Cambria County, successfully urged the court to delay Fletcher’s legal proceedings until more information can be gathered concerning his condition.

In approving the continuance, Judge Linda Fleming gave Lazzari until April 7 to prepare a report.

Fletcher spent 18 months in prison before being released last July. Now, he says, he attends group and individual counseling sessions in DuBois.

“There is some research that jail is not a solution to what vets are suffering,” Lazzari said.

As we reported Wednesday, Allegheny County has developed a program where veterans facing misdemeanor charges are kept out of prison during therapy, and must follow a strict regimen, including meeting with probation officers.

Philadelphia and Lackawanna counties also have veterans courts, Lazzari said.

We urge Cambria County to consider developing a veterans court to handle the special needs of those who have risked their lives and have seen the horrors of combat.

We also urge veterans returning from deployment, and their families, to seek help if they are having difficulties adjusting to civilian life – before something happens that would land them in court or cause injuries to others.

We can and should do more to help those who serve this country.

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