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Durham on track to get veterans' court

Herald-Sun (Durham, NC) - 11/23/2014

Nov. 23--DURHAM -- Veterans who run afoul of the law may soon have a special court in Durham where the focus will be on helping instead of punishing.

A Veterans' Treatment Court has been in the works for the past 18 months by a committee that is nailing down how it would operate.

The court would handle cases of veterans charged with non-violent felonies and misdemeanors with the goal of keeping them out of jail if they get court-supervised counseling and treatment for problems often associated with military service.

Durham is well-positioned to link veterans with services for drug abuse and mental health problems because of its VA Medical Center, according to Durham County District Court Judge Nancy Gordon, who got the ball rolling on the proposed court.

"We owe something to veterans for their service," Gordon said. "The VA has been willing to work with us, and the governor is willing to fund it."

Gordon calls specialized courts such as those for drug abusers and veterans "solution courts." She sees them as places where everybody can benefit.

"If people get treatment and we can divert them from jail, then they're safer, we're safer and it costs less money," she said.

The Durham court would be paid for by the Governor's Crime Commission, which currently has the funds available.

"It's set up and ready to go," Gordon said. "We have the proposal drafted to go to the commission. We've had informal talks with the commission, and we know they're ready to back us."

If approved, Durham would have the third veterans' court in North Carolina. The first was in Harnett County, and Cumberland County began one recently.

Gordon hopes the Durham court will address more than crime and punishment.

"We all know that criminal convictions have enormous collateral consequences to anybody, and particularly to veterans who are struggling with so many things," she said. "We want them to maximize their treatment to be healthy, and be connected with all services the VA can get them, including education if they need it and housing if that's required. Ultimately, they need a job, and a criminal conviction really makes that an incredible mountain to climb."

Another strong backer of a court for veterans is Durham's chief District Court judge, Marcia Morey, who said the court could be operating by next year.

"I think the interest and support for the court is very strong in Durham," Morey said. "The purpose is to give veterans their own court because of the unique experiences they've had and the trauma they may be suffering."

"We're honoring them for what they've given to the country," she said. "I think people want to give back and get them the help they may need."

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