Veterans Court ~ Orange County, CA

Veterans courts seek to rehabilitate offenders outside jail

By Michael Martinez and Casey Wian, CNN
October 28, 2010 10:34 p.m. EDT




Santa Ana, California (CNN) -- Veteran by veteran, Orange County, California, Superior Court Judge Wendy Lindley is dispensing justice with tough talk and a little cheerleading to the former servicemen who've returned from war in Iraq or Afghanistan. The vets are now convicted civilians in her court.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • There are about 40 veterans courts nationwide
  • The courts put convicted veterans on intensive probation
  • Offenders are usually treated for post-traumatic stress disorder
  • Defendants also get treatment for drug, alcohol and mental-health issues