Coming Home Isn’t Unicorns and Rainbows
If you’ve seen the movie, Hurt Locker, you remember the scene where the main character stands in the cereal aisle after returning home from the Iraq War. The shelves are full. The choices are endless. And he looks completely out of place.
Whether it’s a grocery store, a shopping mall, or a city park, many veterans recognize that feeling instantly. Nobody prepares you to come home.
For many veterans, that struggle shows up in the worst ways. It can lead to negative encounters with law enforcement and, in some cases, criminal charges. Thankfully, the Utah legislature has recognized this and created a Veterans Treatment Court, commonly called Veterans Court. (see Utah Code 78A-5-303).
Veterans Court
The purpose of Veterans Court is simple: help veterans move through the criminal justice system in a way that reduces the chances they’ll ever return to it.
Instead of focusing only on punishment, Veterans Court brings everyone to the same table to address the underlying issues that often drive criminal behavior after military service. That team typically includes:
- The judge
- The prosecutor
- Defense attorneys
- The VA’s Veterans Justice Outreach Program
- Substance abuse treatment services
- The Department of Corrections
Who Qualifies?
To participate in Veterans Court, the Court screens for the following:
- A plea in abeyance, a plea agreement, or a requirement to participate as part of probation
- Regular alcohol or drug testing when appropriate
- Participation in veteran outreach programs, including substance abuse treatment when needed
- Accountability measures and sanctions for noncompliance
- Any additional criteria set by the Veterans Court
When a veteran successfully completes the program, the outcome is often significantly better than traditional prosecution. Charges may be reduced, sentences lowered, or cases dismissed altogether.
Utah’s Newest Veterans Court
Veterans Court programs exist throughout Utah, but the newest one was recently established in the Second District Court in Ogden. This court serves Davis, Weber, and Box Elder counties.
At the launch ceremony, Utah Governor Spencer Cox and other veteran advocates spoke about the need to help veterans navigate the justice system with treatment and support, not just punishment. The message was clear: accountability matters, but so does understanding.
Veteran Owned and Focused
If you’re a veteran facing criminal charges, Veterans Court may be a strong option worth exploring.
Stone River Law is veteran owned, and we take that responsibility seriously. We understand the challenges that come with service and the difficulty of coming home. When you call, let us know you’re a veteran so we can better serve you and help you find the right path forward.
