Regional
(2010-02-08)
DENVER, CO
(KUNC) -
New legislation could extend a successful El Paso County judicial court for veterans to other cities across the state. Local officials designed the southern Colorado court to help the increasing number of veterans who have committed crimes, and who are also struggling with unresolved combat injuries, like post-traumatic stress disorder. The idea is to connect these veterans with mental health or substance abuse treatment programs. Representative Marsha Looper is a sponsor of the bill.
"At the end of the day if they've done it according to the agreement of the court and the D.A., the charges would be dismissed," she says. "It's a new chance for life for our service members who are coming back."
Looper says the bill gives judicial districts the authority to set up programs. But ultimately it will be up to local governments to take the initiative and lay groundwork. Looper says some but not all of the funding for the courts would come from federal legislation introduced by Sen John Kerry this year.
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