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The Genesee County Veterans Treatment Court is more than a courtroom. It's become a living memorial to those who have served their country, and it's one of more than 130 documented Veterans Treatment Courts now operating throughout the U.S.
The statistics for military veterans and the criminal justice system can be staggering, and according to Genesee Court Administrator James Bauer, drug and alcohol abuse are a significant part of what brings Veterans into their program. Nearly 30% of military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan met the criteria for alcohol abuse. And between 60 and 80% of Vietnam Veterans seeing PTSD treatment have alcohol use problems. According to Bauer, the most common offenses the court deals with include drug-related crimes like possession, drunk driving and domestic violence.