The First Veterans' Court in Texas Coming to Harris County
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Judge Marc Carter, a United States Army veteran, and presiding judge of the 228th District Court of Harris County, will add to his judicial duties. He will be presiding over a new Veterans’ Court Program in Harris County, that will be the first of its kind in Texas. The goal of this court will be to give a second chance to veterans facing criminal charges.
The court will aid veterans who turn to drugs or alcohol because of a brain injury or post-traumatic stress disorder related to combat. The Harris County Commissioner’s Court approved a six-month pilot of the veterans’ court earlier this month, that will assist honorably discharged veterans or current members of the military who suffer from mental illness, mental disorder and/or substance abuse because of their military service. In order to be eligible for the pilot court a felony or misdemeanor defendant must be probation eligible and want treatment. The probation will require a defendant to undergo six months of treatment for substance abuse or mental illness at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston.
If you or someone you know needs the assistance of a Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer or a Houston DWI Attorney contact me at (713) 242-1779,
It is about time that we take special steps for our honored Veterans. It is easy to give lip service to the acknowledged idea that these Veterans all sacrifice for the benefit of all of us, but oftentimes not enough is actually done for them. It is a sad state of affairs that such a Court is necessary. In Central Pennsylvania, we too have a large population of Veterans. It is clear the toll it takes on those honored people to defend us can be great. What do you folks think?
-Justin J. McShane, Esquire, PA DUI Attorney
Thank you so much for you support toward military troops! I myself am a veteran and am still a current member of the armed forces. I have served my country for almost 8 years and im truly proud of that fact. I do find myself in a bit of a situation though. I was recently arrested for my first offense DWI and am scared to death of the outcome because I have never been in any kind of trouble like this before. Unfortunately I was not arrested in the same county where they offer veterans court so I will be unable to take advantage of this awesome program for veterans. Thanks again Mr. Mcshane for your support. Wish me luck in my current unfortunate position!!
viewed Judge Carter on TV last night regarding his special court for veterans. OUTSTANDING IDEA to say the least, and my opinion of the judge was that he has the tools to achieve great success for those unfortunate vets. he was fair, willing to encourage a new start for the individuals by working with them and also reluctantly incarcerate those who did not work with him to resolve their issues. SUGGEST engage local veterans organizations - VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus (4th Degree), etc. to offer support to those who might need transportation to follow up with the court orders. noone should be faulted for missing an appointment. but if they violate their orders for other reasons i am sure the Judge will do his best to keep them on track. as a Korean War Vet, i find it sad that any of our young men and women suffering from combat issues cannot get a ride to the courthouse to keep themselves in a very helpful program. they volunteered to serve, did their best for us and suffered unkown effects. Can we now forget them and stand aside as they struggle to regain their lives? i don't believe the people of this country will accept that and i know the people of Texas and especially Houston will not. i spent much time in Houston working with the employees of the old Armco Steel company in Green's Bayu and the U.S. Steel plant, they were good hard working people who did things on our jobs that i could only dream of to keep the plants running. while those folks are getting old like me, i think that they and their children would take up the charge and give their all for these needy veterans. all to often people stand on the sidelines ready to help, but noone asks them. i hope someone in Houston reads this and rallies forth to get these veterans some help and let Judge Carter know that he is not alone in reclaiming their lives. we owe it to them and we owe it to ourselves - Veterans never questioned why or who they went to war for and rarely expect to get praise - let's surprise them. God bles all and especialy Judge Carter for moving the ball forward for some of our brothers ans sisters in arms. sb from sc
ps. i noted on the map that South Carolina does not have such a system. help me change that by sending me any and all information as to how to break down the walls and get'r done.