Oregon Senate endorses bill offering soldiers, veterans help, not jail

February 16, 2010 | By Michelle Cole, The Oregonian | oregonlive.com

 SALEM -- By a unanimous vote, the Oregon Senate endorsed a bill Tuesday offering district attorneys greater discretion in offering qualified veterans the option of diversion programs, such as treatment, when convicted of certain crimes.

"In some cases, these veterans become involved with the criminal justice system due to their actions, which are directly attributable to post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury or some other factor related to combat experience," said Sen. Martha Schrader, D-Canby, in a statement.

Senate Bill 999 would give district attorneys new authority to divert an accused soldier or veteran before a trial and avoid prosecution altogether. The accused would plead guilty and enter a program where charges would be dismissed once the program is complete. Those who fail would face sentencing under existing laws.

The proposed change would not apply to drunken driving, any crime involving a serious injury, or a Class A or B felony in which someone is injured. Veterans with a dishonorable discharge or bad conduct also would be excluded.

The bill now goes to the House for consideration.