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St. Johns County's first veterans' treatment court now in session

ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — The hidden wounds of war could often surface after veterans return home. For many, that means jail time or even suicide.

For the first time, veterans navigating the criminal justice system in St. Johns County could get a second chance.

The effort was four years in the making. St. Johns County Judge Howard McGillin will be the first judge to preside over veterans court proceedings.

“One day you're in a combat zone and you get on an airplane and 18 hours, 24 hours, later you're back home in your living room,” said McGillin.

As of Thursday, veterans who qualify will be selected to undergo a rigorous program aimed at keeping them out of jail.

“They'll have to engage in random urinalysis, drug screens, alcohol screens, go to all of their treatment with the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said McGillin.

They’ll also be monitored to make sure they’re showing up to work and will be required to go to court once a month.

Veterans will also be assigned mentors like Bob Richmond who once served in the armed forces.

“Our veterans’ honorable service is deserving of the same service from us,” said Richmond.

McGillin said only certain veterans will qualify.

“As long as there could be some trace between the crime and the military trauma that they may have experienced,” said McGillin.

Those with very violent felonies won’t qualify.

McGillin calls the work a “labor of love” and said the program will give veterans a future.

“We are going to take veterans, help them overcome their past and help them move forward,” said McGillin.

Once veterans successfully complete the program, they’ll be honored with a graduation ceremony and could potentially be eligible to get their records expunged.