FBA to host seminar on Veteran's Treatment Courts

The FBA's Federal Disability Benefits Committee is hosting a free seminar on Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) at 1:30 p.m. April 21 in the Levin Courthouse, room 115. The purpose of VTC is to provide assistance to military veterans who have honorably served in the armed forces of the United States. The VTC assists Veterans who have become involved in the criminal justice system using a team approach that attempts to get beyond the legal problems to address the underlying physical, psychological, and substance abuse issues that may have resulted in criminal conduct. Successful completion of the program may result in a reduced plea, reduction in sentence, etc. The seminar will feature experts regarding VTC's including Judge Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Mark Switalski; Judge Carrie Fuca, 41B District Court; Judge Jodi Debbrecht Switalski, 51st District Court; Judge David Jordan, retired, 54B District Court, who have established and implemented VTC's in the respective State Circuit and District Courts. Also slated to speak is Ms. Nanette Colling, Veterans Justice Outreach Coordinator from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Gail Pamukov-Miller, Immediate Past President, Macomb County Bar Association, and Lynn Hendges, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency. This is a cutting edge seminar providing an overview on the establishment of VTCs and an update on their current status within the State of Michigan. Additional courts are being established throughout the state and this seminar is an excellent opportunity to become informed regarding this invaluable tool used to assist veterans. Published: Fri, Apr 03, 2015