Vet court could expand under new law

A veterans court in Colorado Springs could expand under a bill from a local lawmaker that’s been signed into law by Gov. Bill Ritter.

The measure, which allows the establishment of similar courts statewide, also gives the local program authority to seek federal grants, said Dan May,  4th Judicial District Attorney.

That money could help the local veterans court handle more cases, including misdemeanor crimes.

“It allows us to apply for those grants,” May said Monday. “Without the law we wouldn’t be allowed to do that.”

A portion of the bill allows the state’s judicial system to accept federal money for the program, a requirement to get the funds.

(For an updated list of bills from local lawmakers, click here.)

The local veterans court sends vets to treatment for drug and mental health problems in lieu of jail. The goal of the program, May said, is to help veterans recover from war-caused mental illness and drug abuse so they don’t commit more crimes.

Colorado Springs has about 10,000 Fort Carson soldiers deployed overseas at any given time and has seen a rising tide of veteran-related crime since the Iraq war began in 2003. Those crimes have included nine homicides tied to returning veterans, as well as drunken driving, minor assaults and others.

Calhan’s Republican Rep. Marsha Looper liked the veterans court idea so much that she introduced a bill in January to allow courts around Colorado to establish similar programs.

“We have a responsibility to better serve the needs of Colorado’s veterans who have devoted their lives in order for us to live a better life,” Looper said in a statement. “Understanding that mental health and substance abuse issues can be related to their service is fundamental when trying to assist and help struggling veterans.”

Looper’s bill came out of the legislative process  shorter than the measure she introduced.

The measure originally contained a string of requirements for veterans courts, including who would be eligible and how the court would handle clients. All that was stripped from the bill, leaving a measure that allows courts to set their own standards if they establish a veterans court.

“It’s a good thing,” May said of the changes. “It provides the flexibility that the local people get to set what they need in their veterans court.”

The local veterans court began taking cases earlier this year, predominantly for veterans charged in non-violent felony crimes. The court maintains a docket of 50 to 75 cases.

May said he would like the court to expand by taking on misdemeanor crimes including drunken driving.
May said such an expansion, which could be speeded by federal grant money, would allow the court system to intervene earlier with veterans in crisis.

“The ideal is we’re dealing with low-level crimes and we’re intervening before it becomes something more spectacular,” May said.

OTHER BILLS

Other local lawmakers also have introduced bills aimed at Colorado Springs’ veteran’s community.

Colorado Springs Democratic Rep. Dennis Apuan saw his HB1139, creating license plates for Iraq and Afghanistan vets, pass the House last week. It awaits Senate action.

Colorado Springs Republican Sen. Keith King and Calhan Republican Rep. Marsha Looper sponsored SB47, which would clarify who can make funeral and burial decisions for Colorado troops who die overseas.  It’s awaiting Ritter’s signature.