Veterans Court in Sarasota, FL

Sarasota Criminal Defense Attorney

Have you been arrested for DUI or Theft in Sarasota or Bradenton? Being charged with a crime can be your worst nightmare coming true. From the time you are arrested or issued a Notice to Appear (NTA) you are automatically thrown into a criminal justice system that can be stressful and confusing. You are forced to go to court, attend hearing after hearing, and review police reports along with other evidence. All of which will be used against you. You feel as though you have no control over your case and are the mercy of judges and prosecutors will determine your fate. With that said you are not alone. As Sarasota Criminal Defense Lawyers, we are here to help you navigate the criminal justice system. At Pallegar Law, P.A. we will fight for your rights and turn a seemingly complicated process into one that is easy to understand.

We have an open two-way communication approach with all of our clients. You will have access to a Sarasota Criminal Defense Attorney 24/7 to answer questions day or night. We want you to be informed about every detail associated with your case and the procedure it goes through. If you are charged with DUI, Driving on a Suspended License, Petty Theft or any other crime we have your back.

Bradenton Criminal Defense Attorney and Veterans Court in Sarasota and Manatee County

Veterans Court is now available to former armed service men and women who are charged with criminal offenses in both Sarasota and Bradenton. The objective of Veterans Court is to assist in the transition of armed service men and women who are charged with crimes back into society. Veteran Court judges have experience dealing with issues Veterans specifically face. Veterans’ court is a program for high risk offenders who suffer from post war related problems such as mental health issues, drug addictions, or other issues that prevent them from adjusting to societal norms.

Much like the pretrial intervention program, successful completion of Veterans court usually results in the charges being dismissed or reduced thereby avoiding a conviction. If you do not qualify for Veterans Court but are a first time offender you can find more information on the diversion programs that result in a dismissal of your case by clicking this link: http://www.pallegarlawfirm.com/first-time-offenders-and-diversion-programs.html

However, unlike the other diversion programs, Veterans court is like most drug courts in that it requires monthly court appearances and is usually more involved than the standard Pretrial Intervention or Misdemeanor Intervention program. The duration of the program may last up to two years and usually involves a drug and alcohol evaluation along with any recommended treatment, random drug testing, assistant with find a job, learning a new craft, and potentially treatment classes.

The main objective of Veterans Court, unlike regular court, is to reduce the recidivism rate while also improving access to VA benefits and programs.

Veterans court uses a treatment based approached which involves an assessment of the Defendant mental health and substance addiction issues which is provided to the court. Based on the results of the assessment, the Veteran has the option of completing treatment in Veterans court or opting out and having the case return to regular criminal court. Treatment options include both inpatient and outpatient. The duration of the inpatient programs with the VA can last anywhere from twenty eight days to two years.

If you are charged with DUI, retail theft or any other crime and to see if you qualify for Veterans Court in Sarasota or Bradenton contact an experienced criminal defense attorney today at Pallegar Law, P.A. by calling 813-444-3912 to schedule a free consultation.