TUSCUMBIA-Chad Smith, local candidate for Colbert County District Judge, has announced his plan to establish a court for veterans in the District Court of Colbert County. This announcement corresponds with Veteran’s Day, which falls on November 11th. Veteran’s Treatment Court is a type of diversion program that, if the veteran qualifies, can provide the veteran with the muchneeded tools to lead a productive, law-abiding life. It allows the veteran to bypass certain legal penalties in State District Court. However, Smith says that, if elected, he wants to work with local municipal judges to identify potential candidates for the program in the municipal courts throughout the county.
“I learned when helping the Colbert County Court Referral Program with the drug court initiative, that there are state and federal grants available to establish veteran treatment courts. In my experience as a Municipal Judge, we have seen veterans that return home with service reduced psychological problems as well as other mental health issues, and in recognition of their services, should be treated with compassion and dignity when dealing with criminal matters in the District Court,” Smith said.
Bill Gist with the Colbert County Court Referral offices says that as a veteran himself, he sees the need for this program in Colbert County. “I have witnessed many veterans that would benefit from this program, and am excited that Judge Smith has committed to start a program like this in our county.”
The Veteran’s Treatment Court will offer services for mental health treatment, as well as, treatment for certain substance abuse issues. If successful, the veteran can have their charges dismissed.
Media Release/Chad Smith for Judge
