Post traumatic stress disorder affects veterans returning to civilian life at such a high rate it is staggering. Behaviors associated with PTSD often leads to criminal activity and until recently our criminal courts were unable to address the specific needs of military personnel.
The 18th Judicial District of Colorado opened a new specialty court devoted to serving veterans that have felony criminal charges and suffer with PTSD, brain injuries or other psychological issues.
As a criminal defense attorney and retired Navy JAG Commander I have represented many veterans being investigated, arrested or charged with crimes. Having this extra tool for my military clients in Arapahoe or Douglas counties benefits not only the veteran but their loved ones and our community.
Studies indicate the number of military personnel diagnosed with trauma increased by 50%
20% of the soldiers who’ve been deployed in the past 6 years have PTSD.
Doing the breakdown by war:
Afghanistan = 6 – 11% returning vets have PTSD
Iraq = 12 – 20% returning vets have PTSD
If you are facing criminal charges in Arapahoe or Douglas County Colorado and are a veteran, I hope you call me, Philip M. Smith for a free consultation, 303-333-8900 and explore the possibility of being accepted into the Veterans Treatment Court in the 18th Judicial District of Colorado.
Sources
http://www.courts.state.co.us/Media/Press_Docs/JD18%20VTC%20-%20FINAL.pdf
http://healmyptsd.com/education/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-statistics
