GEORGETOWN, Del. (AP) - A specialized court for criminal cases involving military veterans is expanding in Delaware.
The News Journal of Wilmington reports Monday that Sussex County is establishing a veterans' court later this month, bringing the concept to all three Delaware counties.
The courts provide veteran mentors and access to health and other services. Defendants' charges are deferred during the program; those who successfully complete their treatment plans have their charges dismissed.
There are nearly 200 such courts nationwide, nearly all of them established in the last six years. The advocacy group Justice for Vets says the courts are necessary because more than 20 percent of post-Sept. 11 veterans have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
