It is estimated that approximately 20% of all veterans of the U.S. military suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). After our decades-long wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, that 20% represents a huge number of veterans. In some cases, veterans’ severe PTSD can impair their judgment or cause them to do things they would not ordinarily do. If any of these things are against the law, these veterans may be charged with crimes.

The state of Colorado recognizes that PTSD creates special conditions for those veterans who suffer from it, and for that reason, some charges against veterans may be handled differently than cases against civilians or veterans without PTSD. If you are a veteran charged with a crime and wondering how your PTSD diagnosis will affect your case, call our law firm’s Colorado Springs office today at 719-451-7469 to let one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys in Colorado Springs explain your options.

What is Veterans Trauma Court in Colorado?

Because the state of Colorado recognizes that our veterans may have suffered damage through their service to our country and may suffer from untreated or inadequately treated PTSD, an alternative to punitive sentencing has been created to help veterans with PTSD who have been criminally charged. The Veterans Trauma Court (VTC) is a program that offers intensive counseling to veterans with PTSD in place of punitive court sentencing. The idea is that with treatment for addiction, mental health counseling, and supervision by the court, a veteran with PTSD will be rehabilitated rather than punished if they have committed a crime.

What if I Am Innocent?

If you are innocent of the crime with which you have been charged, you may want to defend yourself in regular court to clear your name. Veterans Trauma Court is a post-plea program, so it is only available to those who are interested in taking accountability for their actions and seeking treatment for the addictions and mental health issues that caused them. Whether you want to make a plea and petition to enter the Veterans Trauma Court for treatment and counseling or defend yourself against charges for which you believe yourself innocent, the experienced criminal defense attorneys at our law firm have your back. We understand that PTSD is not your fault, and we appreciate your service to our country.

Am I Eligible for Veterans Trauma Court?

Some crimes, such as serious violent crimes involving weapons, will disqualify you for Veterans Trauma Court. However, the District Attorney has the authority to determine who gets into VTC and who does not. Referrals to VTC can come from our law firm, your family members, or yourself, among others. If you need help understanding the charges against you and how your PTSD diagnosis or addiction problem might affect the outcome of your case, an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney from our law firm can help you sort it out. We are on your side, and we thank you for your service. Reach out to our law firm today by calling 719-451-7469 for a free consultation to learn more about your options.