Veterans Court
It is all too common to see our servicemen return home only to struggle with poverty, mental illness, or untreated medical conditions. For all that politicians claim to support our troops, once those troops come home, they’re forgotten.
Here at Wasatch Defense Attorneys, we’re dedicated to changing that. If you or a loved one served in our nation’s armed forces, we want to help you. Our highly qualified experts specialize in:
- Criminal defense for felonies,
- Appeals to receive or expand Veteran Affairs benefits, and
- Criminal defense for misdemeanors.
When it comes to your rights and your life, don’t get pushed around by bureaucrats.
We go the extra mile to help. Call Wasatch Defense Lawyers today for a free consultation at 801.980.9965.
Do I Qualify for Veterans Court?
Are you a veteran suffering from PTSD, adjustment disorder, or other diagnosed issues due to your military service? That means you might be an ideal candidate for Veterans Court. Similar to Mental Health Court, the focus of Veterans Court is to lead to rehabilitation and treatment of veteran offenders instead of prolonged jail time or expensive fines.
Utah recognizes that your service deserves support in return. That’s why Veterans Court is designed to connect eligible veterans with the treatment and resources they need. Rather than relying on a single clinic, the court works in coordination with the Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Program and the VA Salt Lake City Health Care System to develop individualized treatment plans for issues such as mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
How Utah’s Veterans Court Works
In order to have your case heard in the Veterans Court, you have to provide evidence of your military service. You must be eligible to qualify for veteran benefits. You also need to be under probation or prepared to enter a plea in abeyance in order to be admitted into Veterans Court.
Going through the Salt Lake Veteran’s Justice Outreach Program is not a free pass from criminal consequences. However, it can help you avoid prison. By joining the program, the defendant agrees to
- Stay sober,
- Not commit any other criminal offenses,
- Receive counseling, and
- Check in weekly with the court.
Appeals & the Board of Veteran Affairs
(http://www.military.com/benefits/military-legal-matters/va-claims-appeals-process/the-board-of-veterans-appeals.html)
If you feel like your Veteran Affairs (VA) benefits have been unjustly denied or are too few for your needs, you can appeal the decision. The Board of Veteran Affairs (BVA), on behalf of the Secretary of Veteran Affairs, can hear your case at a regional VA office or by videoconference.
Appeals made to the Board of Veterans’ Appeals (BVA) are administrative—not criminal—proceedings that review decisions related to veterans’ benefits. The BVA evaluates claims involving disability ratings, service connection, and eligibility for compensation, including medical disability claims. While BVA decisions are binding, they are not always final and may be appealed to higher courts, including the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims and, in some cases, the Federal Circuit. Although the BVA can determine entitlement to benefits, it does not directly control or override specific medical treatment decisions made by local VA healthcare providers.
Our Military Discount
If you need legal advice, we can help! We understand that veterans don’t always have the funds to cover huge court expenses. We also believe in thanking our military servicemen and -women for their sacrifice. That’s why, if you’re a veteran in need of legal services in Utah, we’re proud to offer military discounts on our excellent services.
With 100+ years of experience defending our veterans, we can get you the results you deserve. We’ll take you step by step through your case and aggressively defend your rights to the resources you need to live better.
