Carefree Truth
Issue #644, May 11, 2018
Mayor Les Peterson explained that, for 2 years, the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court has been involved with the Arizona Supreme Court's Veterans Court. The Veterans Court deals with veterans who come before the regular court, many of whom have been injured and/or who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (DTSD). Over time, they get into trouble, such as bar fights or other crimes, many of which can be traced back to injuries incurred while in the service. These are not gang members. They are our sons, our daughters, our relatives.
The primary basis of the court system is the use of punishment as a deterrent. The Veterans Court is more humane, using rehabilitation. They still get justice and have to pay back society for their crimes, but the judge can make a determination to send them into a separate Veterans Court. Both Carefree and Cave Creek agreed to participate in the program, at additional cost, because they felt it was a worthwhile expenditure.
Judge Stephanie Olohan said she is really delighted to be a part of the Veterans Court. Specialty courts are the wave of the future, trending among courts nationally. The Veterans Court to which the Consolidated Court belongs is located in Tempe. It is a voluntary court program; no one is forced to participate. The judge, the prosecutor and the defendant must all agree. The programs typically last between 12 and 18 months, with a graduation ceremony at the end for those who make it through and who chose to participate in the ceremony. The last ceremony had 4 veteran graduates. Judge Olohan said you could see the pride in the graduates They felt honored, appreciated and recognized. They had developed a sense of community with other veterans in the same situation. The veterans take a survey at the end. The feedback is that it is a great program.
In specialty courts, depending on the criminal history and the type of charge, defendants can sometimes earn a dismissal. They are always represented by either a hired attorney or a public defender. The Veterans Administration (VA) services and an outreach coordinator are utilized as a part of the program, and the veterans appreciated having resources they would not otherwise have had.
The East Valley Regional Court includes the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court, and the courts in Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe. Phoenix and Mesa have their own veterans courts. The formal Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) under consideration is a cost sharing program. Previously, the participation of the Consolidated Court in the Veterans Court was by administrative order, and it was funded by grants. For year 3, fiscal year (FY) 2018/19, grants will cover 1/2 of the expenses. In FY 2019/20, grant money drops to 25%. In the 2016 and the 2017 calendar years, the Consolidated Court only referred 2 cases each year to the Veterans Court. Assuming that remains the same, the projected cost for the Consolidated Court would be $276.12 at $138.06 per case. This does not include the costs of the prosecutor, whose hours depend on the case, and the public defender. The public defender is paid $150 per case, a great deal for 12-18 months of representation. Participating cities and towns are only charged for the cases they send. The IGA is for a 1 year term, with a 30 day termination clause, and is renewable for 1 year terms for the next 3 years.
Judge Olohan has a policy of asking each person who is arraigned if they ever served in the military or if they are currently serving. She explains the Veteran's Court to them, then sets a pretrial conference with the prosecutor, who is advised that the defendant is or was a veteran. If the charge is a minor one, such as a traffic violation, some veterans don't want to participate in a 12-18 month program. The prosecutor is excellent, and very professional in helping the veterans to make this determination. She felt strongly that in each case they sent to the Veterans Court, the defendant should have participated.
Mayor Peterson said that is 4 lives you have impacted. It could be life changing forever. It recognizes a special situation and gives options.
Judge Olohan shared a story about a man they sentenced the previous Wednesday who repeatedly said he was impressed with the Court and the program. Specialty courts are the future. The Veterans Court is a service the veterans deserve. They are treating veterans fairly by offering this program.
Vice Mayor John Crane noted that if you read the testimonials, the impact on peoples' lives is really dramatic. He felt it is probably the best few hundred dollars that Carefree spends. "As a town, we should be really proud to participate in the program." Councilman Mike Farrar said it is a compassionate court and Rick Romley, who had invited Mr. Farrar to spend a day at his court, is one of the best at determining the best course of action. Judge Olohan added that our Veterans Court judge, retired Brigadier General Richard Gregg Maxon, was dynamic. He and Judge Romley have been in their shoes, so understand the veterans' issues.
Councilman Gene Orrico asked if the defendants are vetted to be sure they really were or are in the Armed Forces. Judge Olohan responded that they have to fill out paperwork and are certified.
Court clerk Jennifer Wildeman said that she attends quarterly meetings of all the Valley Veterans Courts, which include Judges Maxon and Romley, where they discuss what they are seeing in their Veterans Courts. The most recent meeting featured a presentation by BeConnected. She was very impressed.
This is an resource for veterans and for members of the community that want to help veterans. They have a website and a 24/7 phone number. They figure out what is needed and how to get the veterans support. For instance, there was a bedridden veteran in Puerto Rico when the hurricane struck. Her husband was here. BeConnected found a way to get her and her daughter evacuated. Anyone can volunteer to help a veteran. It is a very personalized one-stop resource, rather than the veteran being shifted around. Arizona is a pilot state for this program, based on Senator McCain's advocacy, which they are looking to take national. Ms. Wildeman gave brochures to the Council members.
Vice Mayor Crane said he participates in a very similar program called VCC. If your profile matches the needs of the veteran, then you can assist that veteran.
Mayor Peterson asked if this presentation is also made to the Cave Creek Council or just to Carefree's, since Carefree administers the Consolidated Court. Judge Olohan replied that it was only given to Carefree, but could also be given to Cave Creek if that is the correct protocol. Gary Neiss explained that because Carefree is the administrator and funds the Court, programs like this come to the Carefree Council. But if Cave Creek would like to hear it also, that could be arranged. Mayor Peterson said he understands that Cave Creek's costs are fixed, so variables would come to Carefree as the funding mechanism. He pointed out that Cave Creek Councilwoman Eileen Wright was in the audience and said she, Judge Olohan and Ms. Wildeman could decide if the presentation would go to Cave Creek too.
He said, "Keep up the good work!"
The motion to continue participation in the Veterans Court was unanimously approved.
https://vimeo.com/267925654
(Lyn's note: For those of you who are interested in this subject, Judge Maxon was a speaker at the 2016 Carefree Veteran's Day event. This is the link to his speech, which was fascinating.) https://vimeo.com/192043546
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
Issue #644, May 11, 2018
Mayor Les Peterson explained that, for 2 years, the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court has been involved with the Arizona Supreme Court's Veterans Court. The Veterans Court deals with veterans who come before the regular court, many of whom have been injured and/or who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (DTSD). Over time, they get into trouble, such as bar fights or other crimes, many of which can be traced back to injuries incurred while in the service. These are not gang members. They are our sons, our daughters, our relatives.
The primary basis of the court system is the use of punishment as a deterrent. The Veterans Court is more humane, using rehabilitation. They still get justice and have to pay back society for their crimes, but the judge can make a determination to send them into a separate Veterans Court. Both Carefree and Cave Creek agreed to participate in the program, at additional cost, because they felt it was a worthwhile expenditure.
Judge Stephanie Olohan said she is really delighted to be a part of the Veterans Court. Specialty courts are the wave of the future, trending among courts nationally. The Veterans Court to which the Consolidated Court belongs is located in Tempe. It is a voluntary court program; no one is forced to participate. The judge, the prosecutor and the defendant must all agree. The programs typically last between 12 and 18 months, with a graduation ceremony at the end for those who make it through and who chose to participate in the ceremony. The last ceremony had 4 veteran graduates. Judge Olohan said you could see the pride in the graduates They felt honored, appreciated and recognized. They had developed a sense of community with other veterans in the same situation. The veterans take a survey at the end. The feedback is that it is a great program.
In specialty courts, depending on the criminal history and the type of charge, defendants can sometimes earn a dismissal. They are always represented by either a hired attorney or a public defender. The Veterans Administration (VA) services and an outreach coordinator are utilized as a part of the program, and the veterans appreciated having resources they would not otherwise have had.
The East Valley Regional Court includes the Carefree/Cave Creek Consolidated Court, and the courts in Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and Tempe. Phoenix and Mesa have their own veterans courts. The formal Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) under consideration is a cost sharing program. Previously, the participation of the Consolidated Court in the Veterans Court was by administrative order, and it was funded by grants. For year 3, fiscal year (FY) 2018/19, grants will cover 1/2 of the expenses. In FY 2019/20, grant money drops to 25%. In the 2016 and the 2017 calendar years, the Consolidated Court only referred 2 cases each year to the Veterans Court. Assuming that remains the same, the projected cost for the Consolidated Court would be $276.12 at $138.06 per case. This does not include the costs of the prosecutor, whose hours depend on the case, and the public defender. The public defender is paid $150 per case, a great deal for 12-18 months of representation. Participating cities and towns are only charged for the cases they send. The IGA is for a 1 year term, with a 30 day termination clause, and is renewable for 1 year terms for the next 3 years.
Judge Olohan has a policy of asking each person who is arraigned if they ever served in the military or if they are currently serving. She explains the Veteran's Court to them, then sets a pretrial conference with the prosecutor, who is advised that the defendant is or was a veteran. If the charge is a minor one, such as a traffic violation, some veterans don't want to participate in a 12-18 month program. The prosecutor is excellent, and very professional in helping the veterans to make this determination. She felt strongly that in each case they sent to the Veterans Court, the defendant should have participated.
Mayor Peterson said that is 4 lives you have impacted. It could be life changing forever. It recognizes a special situation and gives options.
Judge Olohan shared a story about a man they sentenced the previous Wednesday who repeatedly said he was impressed with the Court and the program. Specialty courts are the future. The Veterans Court is a service the veterans deserve. They are treating veterans fairly by offering this program.
Vice Mayor John Crane noted that if you read the testimonials, the impact on peoples' lives is really dramatic. He felt it is probably the best few hundred dollars that Carefree spends. "As a town, we should be really proud to participate in the program." Councilman Mike Farrar said it is a compassionate court and Rick Romley, who had invited Mr. Farrar to spend a day at his court, is one of the best at determining the best course of action. Judge Olohan added that our Veterans Court judge, retired Brigadier General Richard Gregg Maxon, was dynamic. He and Judge Romley have been in their shoes, so understand the veterans' issues.
Councilman Gene Orrico asked if the defendants are vetted to be sure they really were or are in the Armed Forces. Judge Olohan responded that they have to fill out paperwork and are certified.
Court clerk Jennifer Wildeman said that she attends quarterly meetings of all the Valley Veterans Courts, which include Judges Maxon and Romley, where they discuss what they are seeing in their Veterans Courts. The most recent meeting featured a presentation by BeConnected. She was very impressed.
This is an resource for veterans and for members of the community that want to help veterans. They have a website and a 24/7 phone number. They figure out what is needed and how to get the veterans support. For instance, there was a bedridden veteran in Puerto Rico when the hurricane struck. Her husband was here. BeConnected found a way to get her and her daughter evacuated. Anyone can volunteer to help a veteran. It is a very personalized one-stop resource, rather than the veteran being shifted around. Arizona is a pilot state for this program, based on Senator McCain's advocacy, which they are looking to take national. Ms. Wildeman gave brochures to the Council members.
Vice Mayor Crane said he participates in a very similar program called VCC. If your profile matches the needs of the veteran, then you can assist that veteran.
Mayor Peterson asked if this presentation is also made to the Cave Creek Council or just to Carefree's, since Carefree administers the Consolidated Court. Judge Olohan replied that it was only given to Carefree, but could also be given to Cave Creek if that is the correct protocol. Gary Neiss explained that because Carefree is the administrator and funds the Court, programs like this come to the Carefree Council. But if Cave Creek would like to hear it also, that could be arranged. Mayor Peterson said he understands that Cave Creek's costs are fixed, so variables would come to Carefree as the funding mechanism. He pointed out that Cave Creek Councilwoman Eileen Wright was in the audience and said she, Judge Olohan and Ms. Wildeman could decide if the presentation would go to Cave Creek too.
He said, "Keep up the good work!"
The motion to continue participation in the Veterans Court was unanimously approved.
https://vimeo.com/267925654
(Lyn's note: For those of you who are interested in this subject, Judge Maxon was a speaker at the 2016 Carefree Veteran's Day event. This is the link to his speech, which was fascinating.) https://vimeo.com/192043546
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.