Posted on Dec 2, 2014
Should Veterans receive special treatment in Court after committing a crime?
25.9K
635
387
29
29
0
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?
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?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 195
1
1
0
leniency and mitigation of corrective measures (coupled with effective rehabilitative activities that will help the individual abstain from further criminal activities) may considered, depending on the severity of the crime.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
"If you can't do the time, don't do the crime." I know people are going to say " But those with PTSD should be exceptions" I know many with PTSD most have not went out and committed crimes and are doing a great job with mixing back into society. One young man I know got into using drugs and was caught, tried and convicted for a year in jail. He is seeking treatment while still in jail and will be going to a rehab facility after. He didn't want to use his PTSD as a "special circumstance." He wanted to be punished just as everyone else and to get help. Some people are using PTSD and other things as a crutch to get away with what they know to be wrong morally and legally and it really gives the ones that are trying their damnedest to fit in as normal, functioning people a bad light. I have seen the eye rolls some of them get because they have a disability or a mental disorder when there is nothing holding them back. People no matter what their circumstance need to take responsibility for their actions and quit trying to use a "flaw" as a way to get away with breaking the laws. They knew the law before they went into the military so they should know it when they get out or are still serving. Maybe I am just a hard ass but that's the way I see it.
(1)
(0)
PO1 Aaron Baltosser
I carry the PTSD diagnosis, but you will not see me on the evening news in a criminal report. I am still responsible for my actions an my choices. You won't hear any BS about how it wasn't me, I didn't even do nuthin'...etc. when we make excuses for criminal behavior, minor or otherwise, we serve as the enabler in someone's criminal career. It just can't happen that way.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I would say, it depends. Every situation is situation dependent. First time offenders for petty crimes, I would say yes.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I think as a man you should stand up and be accountable. Ask for help prior. PTSD or not. But then again I'm not a combat Veteran so YES a program to get another Veteran the help he/she needs instead of a prison cell is a better idea. By using PTSD as an excuse is the same as why some shitbird couldn't finish bootcamp then puts on the uniform and holds a sign begging for money, then swears they are a Veteran. The truth is the military itself needs a better disembarkation program, just kicking the soldier to the curb with a boot in the ass out the door doesn't help. I know, I was that guy. Swore I did everything right the whole time. One slip up, boom your out. Get fucked. No counseling, no help, no nothing. Honorable discharge, but I felt abandoned, and alone. The whole catching AIDS in 1992 didn't help any. Damaged goods, not combat effective, would put others at risk. Those were the words used at my discharge board. I Didn't want out, I was force out. Different war in and of itself, but I'm a Marine, hence I'm still kicking... It was probably better I walked away and tried to piece together my life which has been a rollercoaster. To be exactly that, a total mess on the inside, but solid till the end. I'll stand beside the broken, the tired, the hungry, the forgotten any day of the week. You won't see me standing near politicians, lawyers, cops, or Judges. Not my scene at all. I'm a shadow of an idea looking for a cure myself.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Hi Troops,
I am with agreement with 1SG(P) on this one too... its a situational case by case basis. One needs to review there past military records and see if first there are any medical issues so its a case by case issue..
I am with agreement with 1SG(P) on this one too... its a situational case by case basis. One needs to review there past military records and see if first there are any medical issues so its a case by case issue..
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
I would say that depends. It depends on the nature of the crime and the individual. IF he/she has PTSD, there may be need for consideration, if they have a TBI, there definitely needs to be consideration.
One thing we DON'T want is to be seen as above the law. Even murder can be seen through understanding, where PTSD and TBI are concerned, but, there is no more justification for special treatment than with any other American that does not have PTSD, or a TBI.
One thing we DON'T want is to be seen as above the law. Even murder can be seen through understanding, where PTSD and TBI are concerned, but, there is no more justification for special treatment than with any other American that does not have PTSD, or a TBI.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Yes: Hold them to a higher standard of accountability. As an individual who has defended the freedoms of our nation, they have the duty to continue to uphold those standards in civilian life as well. I am not saying that there should not be special consideration if a crime is linked to PTSD, but if the former soldier blatantly disregards the law, then they ought to have a more stringent sentence.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
"Special treatment" is a very vague term. If two people with the exact same background, health and mental consciousness - with the exception of one of them being a veteran - committed the exact same crime, I see no reason for "special treatment". This implies that the veteran defendant is in some way above the law, which in no circumstances is acceptable. With that being said though, in my opinion a veteran with diagnosed mental health issues who commits a crime that was in some way caused by said issues, SHOULD be disciplined with this illness kept in mind. This is no different than if a mentally unstable civilian committed a crime, and the judge was more lenient on their punishment verses the one of a healthy minded, conscious criminal. So in a way, there would be no special treatment due to veteran status, but more so due to the fact of a confirmed mental illness.
I know that in my city, they hold Valor Court for veterans charged with a crime. "Summit County Valor Court was established due to the recognition that many of our veterans return to civilian life with serious trauma both physical and mental, which may lead to their involvement with the criminal justice system. By providing this court, veterans are given access to programs, treatment and interaction with mentors in a collaborative initiative to enhance chances of success." I do not see this as "special" treatment, but rather a way of acknowledging the special needs of certain veterans to get them the help they need.
I know that in my city, they hold Valor Court for veterans charged with a crime. "Summit County Valor Court was established due to the recognition that many of our veterans return to civilian life with serious trauma both physical and mental, which may lead to their involvement with the criminal justice system. By providing this court, veterans are given access to programs, treatment and interaction with mentors in a collaborative initiative to enhance chances of success." I do not see this as "special" treatment, but rather a way of acknowledging the special needs of certain veterans to get them the help they need.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
SSG James N.
A Veteran with TBI/Polytrauamatic TBI's often has to relearn many things YOU, sir, take for granted. The reason I gave you a down vote on this was because the Veteran's with PTSD, and TBI's have a very different look on daily life than you do.
Take a moment, and think about this:
You have just had a closed head injury that has knocked you out. You wake up with no memory of yourself, who you are, and stay this way for three days. Then as you start to remember vaguely who you think you are(you are still not certain), you also realize you have no long term memory left as this trauma was on the right side of your head, frontal lobe, where all memory, ability to make solid judgements, and other processes is.
You would have to literally relearn everything, to include all life's smaller lessons someone else takes for granted. I posted a link to the Trauma Schedule of TBI's for all to look at. Go look at them, see what it shows, then look deeper to see how maybe one individual would have to be taught appropriate from inappropriate, maybe how to recognize sarcasm, and many other things you take for granted each day, and the reasons you can say,"Do teh crime, do the time"
I am a student of psychology, Senior, and the reason I chose this path is to assist the many Veteran's who have TBI's and PTSD that cannot go through life like you and many others because they just do not have the same abilities
Take a moment, and think about this:
You have just had a closed head injury that has knocked you out. You wake up with no memory of yourself, who you are, and stay this way for three days. Then as you start to remember vaguely who you think you are(you are still not certain), you also realize you have no long term memory left as this trauma was on the right side of your head, frontal lobe, where all memory, ability to make solid judgements, and other processes is.
You would have to literally relearn everything, to include all life's smaller lessons someone else takes for granted. I posted a link to the Trauma Schedule of TBI's for all to look at. Go look at them, see what it shows, then look deeper to see how maybe one individual would have to be taught appropriate from inappropriate, maybe how to recognize sarcasm, and many other things you take for granted each day, and the reasons you can say,"Do teh crime, do the time"
I am a student of psychology, Senior, and the reason I chose this path is to assist the many Veteran's who have TBI's and PTSD that cannot go through life like you and many others because they just do not have the same abilities
(0)
(0)
SSG Jeffrey Spencer
SSG Noar, your response is noted, and I don't disagree that there are some special cases. But I think your response is too narrowly focused. The question was a broad ask. It did not specify about those that have combat injuries. Just does a veteran get special privilege in court?
We all have our crosses to bear. I know enough from personal experience and the rough youth I had. But we are all responsible adults and need to make responsible and rational choices in our lives. If we gave excuses for every situation, I dare say that I would rather not remain on this earth for the anarchy that would ensue.
To give an example, would you give a thug that becomes a football star and gets a TBI special dispensation? Same medical issue. My own son who is 14 has had a serious TBI. But I hold him to be responsible for the choices and consequences as he has to learn acceptable behavior.
I hope you see the issue for what it is and undo your down vote.
We all have our crosses to bear. I know enough from personal experience and the rough youth I had. But we are all responsible adults and need to make responsible and rational choices in our lives. If we gave excuses for every situation, I dare say that I would rather not remain on this earth for the anarchy that would ensue.
To give an example, would you give a thug that becomes a football star and gets a TBI special dispensation? Same medical issue. My own son who is 14 has had a serious TBI. But I hold him to be responsible for the choices and consequences as he has to learn acceptable behavior.
I hope you see the issue for what it is and undo your down vote.
(0)
(0)
SSG James N.
Although the question was broad, one must look at the entirety of who we are to answer it. I stand by my words as to the level of injury where TBI is concerned. One can tell the individual,"You must act responsibly", but if that individual, post TBI or PTSD has lost THAT ABILITY and must relearn values and responsibility, then there are issues that must be addressed. It is true, we do not condone criminal activity, but if the individual falls into a category that demands special consideration, then that consideration must be given.
I am certain my words will carry far more weight as a Psychologist when I receive my BS degree in Psychology to go with my AS degree in Human Sciences, and will carry more so as a Master's Thesis or Doctorate.
Veteran's Mental Issues are what I am working to specialize in, and still maintain a conservative libertarian position politically, CONSERVATIVE, not liberal.
I am certain my words will carry far more weight as a Psychologist when I receive my BS degree in Psychology to go with my AS degree in Human Sciences, and will carry more so as a Master's Thesis or Doctorate.
Veteran's Mental Issues are what I am working to specialize in, and still maintain a conservative libertarian position politically, CONSERVATIVE, not liberal.
(1)
(0)
1
1
0
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google