Jackson County Launches Court For Vets
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Jackson County has launched a new court that will offer military veterans alternatives to jail for some non-violent offenses.
The court is a combined effort of the circuit court, the prosecutor's office and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The Kansas City Star reports that the Jackson County court for veterans will focus on intervention and treatment instead of putting veterans on the usual criminal prosecution track.
In some cases, charges against the veterans will be dismissed if they successfully complete the program and others will be offered services such as drug counseling or job training as part of their probation after being found guilty.
Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker says the court won't hear some cases, including crimes involving sex offenses, drive-by shootings or murders.
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