Dear Legislator:
January 21, 2010
Dear Legislator:
I write to you to encourage you to support broadening Oregon’s criminal diversion statute (currently LC 54) so more veterans and active duty military members who run afoul of the law can be diverted out of the criminal justice system. Let me briefly explain why.
As Lane County’s District Attorney for almost 24 years (I retired in December 2008) and a professional prosecutor for about 34 years, I am a believer in diversion programs for appropriate offenders. In Lane County, we developed what is now the second oldest drug court in Oregon, as well as other quick disposition programs to move offenders quickly out of the criminal justice system. These programs, done properly, are successful in changing lives and reducing justice system costs.
Now, focusing on service members, substantial medical evidence has developed demonstrating what common sense tells us: military service, particularly in a combat zone, causes physical injury such as traumatic brain injury and mental problems such as PTSD.
Furthermore, the Department of Veterans Affairs and the active military services have been and continue to develop programs to help these physically and/or mentally wounded military men and women.
Finally, active and past military members have given much of themselves. These men and women have “put their lives and careers on hold” in order to help defend our country. It seems fitting that we should do what we can as a state to keep them out of the criminal justice system.
Bill Taylor and Jesse Barton organized a group of individuals including, but not limited to, representatives from the following organizations: Oregon War Veterans Association, Oregon Anti-Crime Alliance, Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, Oregon District Attorneys Association, the Oregon Courts, and other groups that support veterans. LC 54 is the result of our collective work. It will allow District Attorneys to offer more service members who become involved in the criminal justice system the opportunity for diversion should the service member wish to go through a program that helps them overcome their physical or mental conditions that may have contributed to their criminal conduct.
I hope you support this bill. If you need more information, Bill Taylor, Jesse Barton, representatives of the above organizations, or I can provide it.
Sincerely,
Doug Harcleroad
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