VETERANS CRIMINAL DIVERSION
What is a Veterans Criminal Diversion Program VCDP?It is a specialized court that operates within the existing New Jersey Court System. VCDPs are monitored by judges and court staff who are familiar with the unique challenges faced by Veterans of the United States Armed Forces and the strain of combat operations.
Why should New Jersey have a VCDP?
10% of those incarcerated are Veterans. Prior to enlisting, they did not have a prior arrest. Why suddenly do they break the law after deploying? Instead of a jail sentence or NJ taxpayers paying for drug and alcohol treatment, the VA pays. That is a cost savings and immediately adds treatment capacity. VCDPs do not offer preferential treatment. Instead, Veterans receive an informed court staff and possible treatment options that might not otherwise be known.
Do other states have these programs?
Yes. Presently, at least 38 states throughout the country have such a program. Existing judges and personnel are sufficient. Veterans can be diverted from an unnecessary conviction and into long-term treatment with Veteran mentorship. Pennsylvania and New York are leaders.
Do the programs work?
Unlike a majority of parolees, Veterans’ rates of re-arrest are at unprecedented lows. Of course recidivism rates are low. They are patriots, not criminals. In Buffalo, New York – home to one of the first and most widely studied Veterans Courts – not one single defendant has been rearrested after going through the treatment program. VCDPs save money, families and lives.
How can I learn more about Veterans Criminal Diversion Programs?
Challenge yourself: watch the testimonial of Marine Corps Veteran Nick Stefanovic here: https://youtube/tTr0Ot5Zd6g You will be moved to a sense of urgency!
You can also visit the website www.JusticeForVets.org and browse through the extensive legislative, judicial, and media resources available on the site.
Coming Home: Justice for Our Veterans
The media has focused a great deal of attention on the success of such courts. Watch a compilation of such media stories here:http://justiceforvets.org/second-chance-for-veterans CBS’ 60 minutes “Coming Home” story: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53tqlfU4LF0
An alternative court program in Harris County, Texas, seeks to rehabilitate veterans who turn to crime for the first time. Scott Pelley reports.
For Vets in Trouble, a Pathway to Help | Di Ionno | NJ.com
Thomas has been instrumental in the lives of some of the men featured in these news articles and please visit the "testimonials" link to learn more about how he can advocate for you in your case.
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Should Veterans Who Commit Violent Crimes Get a 2nd Chance in NJ?
Some believe New Jersey's Veteran's Diversion Program doesn't go far enough.
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Veterans Court a Start, But Doesn't Help Those Who Need It...
Gov. Christie signed an important, bipartisan bill this week designed to help nonviolent veterans who are grappling with mental health challenges, rather than sending them to jail.
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NJ is Asked to Give War Veterans Help They Need Instead of Prison.
New Jersey is one of 10 states without a program that diverts veterans from the criminal-justice system into mental-health treatment, but that may soon change.
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NJ Lawyers Want Help Fighting for Veterans | Di Ionno
Bar association advocates for more pro bono work and creation of veterans court.
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Is It Time for NJ To Establish Courts Only For Veterans?
More than 250 jurisdictions have veterans treatment courts, which are designed to get help to veterans with brain injuries or PTSD and who are in trouble with the law.
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Combat Veterans Carry the Burden for All of Us | Di Ionno.
Anthony Crincoli spent almost 31/2 years in battle in Iraq. His unit of the 112th Infantry Regiment lost 32 members during fighting around Baghdad.
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Proposed 'Veterans Court' May Not Reach Those Who Need It.
Jamie Smith joined the Army in 2003 when he was 33 years old, leaving behind a family in Bayonne. "I went in because of 9/11," Smith said. "I didn't go in to get college benefits or job training. I went in for patriotic reasons."
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