blikiCksoffClassof2022proGraMwitHveteraNstreatMeNtCourt bar leadership Institute
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Pestana , whose practice includes criminal defense work , described the graduation ceremonies as powerful , honest , and personalized presen - tations , which included each veteran ’ s military service , difficulties , and support system . Graduates received a certificate and coin to carry with them as a reminder of the progress they had made . Judge Scionti used each success story to motivate current program participants .
Next were status conferences for veterans presently in the VTC process . For each matter , Judge Scionti heard updates from the veterans , as well as counselors , mentors , defense attorneys , prosecutors , probation officers , and representatives from the U . S . Depart ment of Veterans Affairs . During the status conferences , Judge Scionti addressed various issues , ranging from positive drug tests to trouble securing employment . BLI members noted the individualized attention , support , and motivation Judge Scionti , a veteran himself , provided the participants during the morning ’ s proceedings .
The bar Leadership Institute Class visited the Veterans Treatment Court .
BLI member Daniela Mendez , who comes from a military family , described the program as a collaborative , fair , and beneficial process . It was clear to her that Judge Scionti took time to develop relationships with program participants while simultaneously holding them accountable .
Hillsborough County ’ s Veterans Treatment Court has gained statewide and national recognition as a pioneer program and a benchmark for veterans ’ criminal diversion programs . Additional information about the VTC can be found on the 13th Judicial Circuit ’ s website . 1 n
1 https :// www . fljud13 . org / Portals / 0 / Forms / pdfs / drugcourt / VTC / VTCPolicyProceduresManual . pdf .
Authors : Soma Nwokolo - Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP & Alexander Bottone - The Solomon Law Group , P . A . j a n - f e b 2 0 2 2 | H C b a L a W Y e R
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