Will Galligan use the contagious PTSD defense??
New law allows for veterans' courts
Posted: Jul 29, 2009 4:46 PM CDT
Updated: July 30, 2009 07:20 AM CDT
by Sara Talbert
BELTON - A new law allows counties to set up veterans' courts, which would be designated for soldiers and veterans who have gotten into trouble with the law and who have also returned from a deployment suffering from psychiatric problems.
But even with the largest military installation in the world in their backyard, Bell County officials say it's not necessary.
But, Bell County defense attorney John Galligan disagrees.
"In the last two months, I've completed two aggravated assault with deadly weapon cases from soldiers at Fort Hood, both of whom returned from a deployed environment with PTSD and traumatic brain injury and on a whole range of drugs. They were on so many drugs it made them look like a walking Walgreens," said Galligan.
Both of those soldiers faced second degree felonies and jail time. Galligan says with a veterans' court, a judge could take in to consideration the mental diagnosis of the soldiers.
Bell County Commissioner Tim Brown says however, the law doesn't really apply to Bell County.
"Frankly, I think it's a silly bill. The only way we'd create a court of this sort would be if we were being overwhelmed by an inordinate number of these cases," said Brown, who added that is simply not the case. He says the judicial system already in place in Bell County works to meets soldier's needs.
"The judges have that discretion, that's why I say it's not something new," said Brown.
"They speak like there's not need for it? It's money," argued Galligan.
But that is something Brown doesn't deny. Up to a $1,000 fine could be handed down to the defendant; that money then used to help cover the costs of the court.
"Sounds good. But the truth of the matter is so many of these folks who are moving through the criminal justice system are economically challenged to begin with," said Brown.
News Channel 25 did try to get specific numbers from the Bell County District Attorney's office Wednesday concerning the number of cases involving soldiers with PTSD. The numbers were not readily available.
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