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The Urbanic Law Firm

Oklahoma city criminal defense attorney Frank Urbanic provides efficient, effective, and relentless representation.

205 W 7th Ave Ste 101C

Stillwater, OK 74074

405-633-3420

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New Oklahoma Laws In 2016 Part XI – Courts To Consider PTSD When Sentencing Veterans

December 31, 2016 by Frank Urbanic

HB 2595 authorizes any court sentencing a veteran to consider as a mitigating factor that the person has been diagnosed as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from his or her military service. The vet has to provide documentary evidence that served in in a combat zone and has been diagnosed with PTSD. The law is codified in 22 OS § 973a.

As a veteran, I think this is a great thing. Many vets come back from combat and are unable to cope with the difficult things they experienced. I salute all the veterans out there, and I’m happy their concerns are being addressed.

Another way veterans are being addressed in the criminal justice system is through the Veterans Diversion Program (Veterans Court) in Oklahoma County. The program is specifically designed to help veterans facing criminal charges. It’s rigorous but worth it. If the veteran successfully completes the program then the charges are dismissed. I’ve worked closely with the people who run the program, and they do an excellent job. Their passion for helping vets is off the charts, so I can’t thank them enough for the great work that they do. I also have to take my hat off for the Oklahoma County District Attorney for supporting this great program.

HB 2595 – http://webserver1.lsb.state.ok.us/cf_pdf/2015-16%20ENR/hB/HB2595%20ENR.PDF

22 OS § 973a – http://www.oscn.net/applications/oscn/DeliverDocument.asp?CiteID=478323

Article covering the bill – http://kfor.com/2016/09/15/new-ptsd-bill-to-go-into-effect-across-oklahoma/

If you are a veteran who is facing charges, don’t panic! Call Urbanic.

405-633-3420

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: 2016, hb 2595, oklahoma laws, veterans court, veterans diversion program

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