Veterans

Returning from service can be both joyous and tremendously stressful. Difficulty getting hired, unresolved emotions, damaged relationships, undiagnosed or untreated PTSD, and public indifference all can negatively affect a Veteran's mental health. Sometimes, they turn to drugs to cope or steal just to make ends meet. If they get caught, arrested, and prosecuted they are treated as any other "criminal." Long-term effects can be devastating to the veteran and their family.

Fortunately, lawmakers are recognizing the great sacrifices every veteran makes for their country. Louisiana has passed laws encouraging jurisdictions to create a Veterans Court, where veterans who commit felony and misdemeanor crimes are provided treatment as opposed to being incarcerated. They are put on probation and given substance abuse treatment, mental health treatment, or both to help them successfully overcome these issues. If the veteran completes the program, the charges can be dismissed, and he can regain the lawful status that he had before his enlistment. Louisiana law also allows DAs to provide a “Veterans pretrial diversion program”, specifically focusing on veterans and their needs.

Although Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes presently do not have a Veterans Court, local judges are actively pursuing its implementation. Like me, they want to help you. As your advocate, not only will I aggressively fight the criminal charges against you with all my skill and experience as a former prosecutor, but I will also fully investigate what led to the situation you find yourself in and what resources are out there to help you make a complete, holistic recovery. With this information, I will fight for you and your recovery in negotiations, trial, and sentencing.

I want to help you with your criminal charge. Remember that Louisiana’s Military Service Relief Act La.Rev.Stat. 29:401 makes it the, “policy of the state of Louisiana that its citizens who serve their country and state and who leave their employment, homes, and education shall not be discriminated against, penalized, nor economically disadvantaged because of their uniformed service." You have sacrificed for us, now let me fight these legal battles for you.