April 21, 2015
The Federal Bar Association Federal Disability Benefits Committee will be presenting a seminar on Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) on April 21, 2015. It will be held in Room 115 at the U.S. Court Building, 231 W. Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 from 1:30 – 4:40 p.m. 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 prominent Judges who have established and implemented VTC’s in State Circuit and District Courts. They include Judge Mark Switalski, Macomb County Circuit Court, Judge Carrie Fuca, 41B District Court, Judge Jodi Debbrecht Switalski, 51st District Court, and Judge David Jordan, retired, 54B District Court. 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, Lynn Hendges, Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency.
This is a cutting edge seminar providing an overview on their establishment 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 our Veterans.