questions & answers

Question: Good Afternoon, I'm a Senior at NAU and a retired Marine. I have an arrangement set for 9/5/2018, in Surprise AZ. This is a DUI charge that took place 5/2017. I blew a 0.00 but was instructed to give a urine sample. I want to take this case into veterans court in Flagstaff. I want this different venue because I live and go to school here in Flagstaff. How can I go by doing this? Thank you for your time.

Answer: Flagstaff does offer Veterans Court.  It may be an option if the charge is a misdemeanor.  It is not available for felony charges.  The Veterans’ Administration and local authorities are engaging in a cooperative effort to help veterans who have fallen afoul of the law get their lives back on track and on the road to recovery.  A veteran who commits a misdemeanor crime in any one of the participating courts can ask that his or her case be transferred to Veterans Court.  The judge has a list of the criteria for Veterans Court.  If the case meets the criteria, the judge will make the transfer and notify the prosecution.  You can ask your lawyer or the prosecutor to recommend the case go to Veterans Court.  Veterans Court is not an easy way out.  You must complete the entire program and attend all of the hearings. For more information about the Flagstaff Veteran Court follow this link: https://lawforveterans.org/veterans-courts/flagstaff-veteran-s-court-tour