What to Know about Representing Veterans in the Criminal Defense System
Veterans are a specialized group of defendants in the criminal justice system, and they face a unique set of challenges. It’s essential for attorneys to understand the common legal issues that pertain to this group.
There are a broad range of mitigating circumstances that could affect a veteran’s criminal defense case. Many veterans face instability and the threat of homelessness, for instance, and 70% of homeless vets experience substance abuse. Mental illnesses and injuries that require long-term care are also more likely in veteran populations. While none of these factors go hand-in-hand with crime, veterans face increased pressures and hardships that put them at a greater risk for criminal activity. A veteran who was recently evicted and has very little money for food, for instance, may be desperate enough to steal from a grocery store.