Legal/Justice News
Success of Maine Veterans Court Inspires Plan to Expand
Monday, February 3, 2014 | Category: Legal/Justice - ME
In 2012, the veterans court pilot program started as part of the pre-existing Co-Occurring Disorders Court, designed to aid offenders dealing with mental illness and substance abuse problems. Justice Nancy Mills presides over both programs in Kennebec County Superior Court. The program was initiated in response to the fatal shooting by Farmington police of Afghanistan veteran Justin Crowley-Smilek in 2011. The day before the shooting, Justin appeared in court and was ordered to seek psychological help.
Augusta Court Program Helps Veterans Who Are in Trouble With the Law
Tuesday, July 3, 2012 | Category: Legal/Justice - ME
A Veterans Treatment Court began in 2011 in Maine with no funding. After the Maine legislature and Governor signed the program into law, the Court can seek federal funding. It follows the model of the nation's first Veterans Treatment Court, started in New York in 2008. Ann Archibald, the Maine VA's Justice Outreach Specialist since summer 2011, is working with the Department of Corrections and the county jail system “to get a handle on” the number of incarcerated veterans in the state.