Second District launches Veterans Court in Ogden
By Gregory House, Public affairs specialist
State and local leaders joined court officials on January 5 to mark the inauguration of a new Veterans Court in Utah’s Second Judicial District.
VA Salt Lake City leadership and Homeless Justice and Clinical Recovery teams, Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs, and other local stakeholders and media filled the room before the bailiff called the courtroom to order for the ceremony.
In his opening remarks, Judge Hall welcomed guests and explained the process a Veteran could expect when going through the Veterans Court.
“Many people assume it is just a regular court but for Veterans, and it is not that,” said Second District Court Judge Craig Hall.
Veterans Courts are a form of specialty court that redirect eligible veterans from the ordinary criminal docket into a supervised treatment program. Far from an easy way out, this model emphasizes assessment and clinically informed treatment for mental health conditions and substance use disorders, judicial oversight through regular status hearings, and connections to benefits and community supports intended to reduce recidivism and improve long-term stability. After Judge Hall’s opening remarks, gold star widow and Veterans advocate Jennie Taylor and Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox addressed the crowd.
“You may ask the question... ‘If this is so great and so wonderful, why don’t we just do it for everyone?’ and the answer is that we probably should do it for everyone,” Cox said. “But if anyone deserves a second chance, it’s our Veterans. It’s the people who have sacrificed so much for our state, so much for our country and so much for their families.”
In her remarks, Taylor reflected on the reasons this court can reduce recidivism
“We have a system that’s built to help them start again,” she said. “We’re going to carry you through the hard time while you start again. We’re going to raise you up the same way you raised your arm to say that you would pay the price with your life if necessary.”
Hall said the Veteran must pass a rigorous screening process and, after entering a plea, they officially start the program, a process that can take up to 24 months. When the participant graduates from Veterans Court, their charges can be reduced or even dismissed, Hall continued.
“Unlike a traditional court, which prioritizes determination of guilt and imposing sentences, Veteran Courts adopt a non-adversarial approach,” he said.
According to Hall, Veterans Court works with VA representatives, prosecutors, defense attorneys and others to determine what is best for the Veteran. This program will serve veterans who live in Weber, Davis and Morgan counties and will join existing Veterans Court programs in other Utah districts.
“This program is a promise that our justice system will never forget the service and sacrifice of our Veterans even when they stumble,” Hall said. “It’s a promise that accountability and compassion can coexist and that any person, given the right tools and support can reclaim their life.”