Sen. Jeremy Miller continues to advocate for treatment and mental health services for veterans who would not benefit from jail time. | Facebook
Sen. Jeremy Miller continues to advocate for treatment and mental health services for veterans who would not benefit from jail time. | Facebook
Sen. Jeremy Miller voted in favor of the Veterans Restorative Justice Act during the fourth special session this year of the Minnesota Legislature.
The Veterans Restorative Justice Act was unanimously passed in the Senate, according to the Minnesota Senate Republican Caucus. The aim of the program is to divert nonviolent and at-risk veterans who commit petty crimes to probation or social services instead of jail. Several counties already have veterans treatment courts where, for less severe crimes, veterans receive treatment. The Veterans Restorative Justice Act is intended to provide guidance for how veterans are treated in court. It is not a mandate.
If the veteran's offense is below a severity level seven on the state's sentencing grid and the offender claims the crime was committed due to service-connected sexual trauma, a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, a substance abuse disorder or mental health condition, diversionary programs will be recommended. Veterans would be required to plead guilty and comply with all recommendations of the court, including staying sober and completing a treatment program.
Alerts Sign-up