Posted on Dec 2, 2014
TSgt Jackie Jones
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Military court
In most states, the Court is recognizing Veterans that have committed a crime and offering a different type of program to them. (In line with the probation that they may already be granted). How do the masses feel about it?

I understand the specialized need for treatment for certain Veterans and that everyone should be treated as an individual, on a case by case basis, which I hope is how this would be carried out by all, but for those with significant criminal histories, should they get the specialized options?
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Responses: 195
MSgt William Harris
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Yes, I feel that all veterans that served their country and were discharged honorably should be given special consideration based on the crime they committed and whether or not they are a repeat offender. I do feel that in cases of murder or rape is a totally different story!
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LCpl Senior Staff Writer
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If it's due to something service connected or related like PTSD? Yes. Unconnected crime of any kind? Fuck that guy.
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SSG Randy Bradbury
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Absolutely! Anyone who has put his or her life on the line for others is entitled to special consideration from those "others" (i.e. American society), even when his or her behavior has offended said "others." (IMO, this does not necessarily apply to those who served only in non-combat positions, although some consideration is still merited.)
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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Let's say that a person who suffered from a brain injury goes out and does something violent and we simply wash our hands? SSG Randy Bradbury I agree with you but too many think it can't happen to them. I think some get off topic and assume that veterans get off for serious crimes with no consequences and that is not true.
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SSG Randy Bradbury
SSG Randy Bradbury
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No one is suggesting that society should not be protected from those who commit violent crimes- be they veterans or otherwise. My point, however, is that anyone who has risked his or her life for yours (i.e. that of Americans who are now prosecuting and judging him or her) deserves special consideration and treatment.
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SPC Robert Norton
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Edited >1 y ago
No, i don't think they should be treated any different. They joined the service to stand up for what they believe in. they have troubles, we all do, but preferential treatment for serving your country, sorry no.
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SPC John Decker
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Being a veteran should not matter, one way or another. We all know that there are vets out there that need help. With the V.A. not doing what they should, we have vets out there committing crimes they would not otherwise commit. In that context, YES they should be treated differently.
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SSG Rafael Rodriguez
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Aloha TSgt Jackie Jones, Broad question here, it depends on the type of crime and the facts that surround it, don't get me wrong...i am a firm believer that the punishment should fit the crime. Things like PTSD or other mental issues may be in consideration but the bottom line should be that the victims and their family get closure, which does not happen all the time.
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
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NO, UCMJ is more restrictive then the public judicial system, therefore we all know how to conform to laws and utilize discipline. See CPT Jack Durish comment in this string for an excellent point. Just because we have served our country is no excuse to commit crimes against the populace and have them dismiss it due to our service. If the veteran is mentally unstable, then the court has options to deal with that the same as all the other mentally unstable folks residing on the streets of our country.
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CPT Jack Durish
CPT Jack Durish
>1 y
How did you do that? How did you insert my name as a link in your comment. No, I don't object to the reference. It's just that I've seen others do it and haven't figured it out yet. (Yes, ladies, I'm stopping to ask for directions)
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
CW5 Sam R. Baker
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Jack, place an "@" symbol in front of the name you wish to identify! I learned much as you just requested from the )-4 population about 6 months ago!

try it on me under this one, CPT Jack Durish
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CPT Jack Durish
CPT Jack Durish
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I wish to thank CW5 Sam R. Baker and this posting will convey that thanks if his instructions actually work...
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CW5 Sam R. Baker
CW5 Sam R. Baker
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Great job, you are signed off, OJT complete Jack!
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SSG(P) Instructor
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Perhaps some leniency for mild misdemeanors, but felonies should get no clemancy. You know your right from wrong...you choose to one or the other.
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SMSgt David Zobel
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Most codes, like the one in California, require some logical connection between the charged behavior and a combat related disability. That means it has to be a logical connection as accepted by both the prosecution and the judge. That's not an automatic hurdle. The special treatment is usually associated with sentencing, not with finding, so the conviction is not usually set aside until after a successfully completed alternate sentence. Because of where I work, I get to meet such veterans with regularity, and I've yet to meet one that was simply getting over on the system. It's a good deal that seems to be being used to good ends.
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1SG Clifford Barnes
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On some areas you can work with the veterans but serious offenses should be handled on the seriousness.
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