Hi, my name is Jerimy Burr; I am a 15-year Veteran of the U.S. Army.

 I spent 4 years in Iraq and the Middle East during my service, earning me the Bronze Star and many other awards and decorations. However, the harsh realities of war followed me back home and manifested in the form of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and substance use disorder. Because of this, I am 100% disabled, which is service-connected. Before spending 4 years in Iraq, I never had a criminal record. After 4 years over there and developing PTSD, my life has drastically changed. For a while, nothing I did made me happy. So, I started drinking and drugging. It cost me my career and, subsequently, my freedom. My sobriety date is October 2nd, 2024. Since getting sober, I have realized a flaw in the justice system.   

Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is an intense program dedicated to helping Veterans who have fallen into non-violent legal trouble due to mental health issues or substance use that stemmed from their service. However, not all veterans have the opportunity to use this life-saving program. This is an unfair divide that leaves some veterans trapped in a cycle of arrest, incarceration, release, and often, re-arrest.

According to Lynn Gorelick, an attorney who specializes in VTC, the benefits of this program are life-saving. The recidivism rate (the percentage of offenders who end up back in the system) is 23 % for VTC compared to 48% in traditional court. 

VTCs offer a range of treatment programs tailored to veterans' needs, including mental health services, substance abuse treatment, anger management classes, and vocational training. These programs address the underlying issues contributing to veterans' offenses while promoting personal growth and healing.

Personalized care is at the core of successful treatment programs in VTCs. By considering each veteran's unique experiences and challenges, these programs can effectively address their specific needs and promote lasting change. The emphasis on individualized care sets VTCs apart from traditional court systems.

Legal Consequences
Veterans participating in VTCs may experience different legal outcomes than those going through traditional courts. Completing a VTC program can lead to the dismissal of charges, reduced sentences, or expungement of criminal records for veterans. These outcomes can significantly impact veterans' future opportunities and well-being.

Program completion in VTCs can positively change veterans' criminal records, allowing them to move forward with a clean slate. By addressing the underlying issues that led to their offenses, veterans can demonstrate their commitment to rehabilitation and personal growth. This can open up new employment, housing, and community involvement possibilities.

VTCs offer a broader range of sentencing options than traditional courts, emphasizing rehabilitation over punitive measures. These options may include community service, counseling programs, educational opportunities, or specialized treatment plans tailored to veterans' needs. By providing alternatives to incarceration, VTCs seek to promote long-term success and reduce recidivism rates among veterans.

This isn't just my battle. It's a nationwide issue that needs immediate attention. We are calling out to our lawmakers to extend the VTC program to all non-violent Veteran offenders, regardless of their geographic location. Help veterans like me - who have fought for our nation and now fight their own mental battles - get the support and treatment we rightly deserve, not being marginalized due to a flawed system. Please sign this petition and advocate for genuinely equal treatment for all Veterans. I've personally lost two of my battle buddies recently who were suffering from mental health and substance use disorders. Please sign and share so we can curb this growing trend among our Veterans.  

References

Veterans Court vs. Traditional Court: The Battle Over Disorderly Conduct | Gorelick Law (www.gorelick-law.com/veterans-court