Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Veterans that get in trouble with the law can receive unique assistance in Colorado Springs.

The Veteran Trauma Court launched at the El Paso County Courthouse in the fall of 2009 and is designed for veterans charged with misdemeanors or low-case felonies. Those veterans must also suffer from medical conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other traumas suffered during combat.

"The people we see typically have a drug problem," District Judge Ronald Crowder said, "whether they have been charged with it or not, or an alcohol problem, and they've been self medicating."

Veterans suffering from PTSD can sometimes become dependent on drugs and alcohol, which can lead to acts of violence or criminal activity. The Veteran Trauma Court is similar to other drug or DUI courts, according to Crowder, and helps veterans get back on their feet while at the same time penalizing them for their actions.

"You're expected to engage in treatment," Sheilagh Mcateer, a public defender, said. "We realize that the only way you're going to be successful is that you have to benefit from the treatment at the VA, if you qualify for VA assistance."

Those who enter the court's program are also carefully supervised. Mcateer said a group of retired soldiers are also available and serve as peer mentors to the veterans in the program.

"They meet with them individually," she said. "They monitor their cases. They're sort of like a buddy."

Rich Lindsay, an Air Force retiree and Vietnam veteran, is the lead peer navigator for the Veteran Trauma Court. He said he has seen many vets succeed in the program but added the court is not an easy way out.

"This court is very demanding," Lindsay said. "The requirements are very stringent, and they have to adhere to all of them. I think, in some ways, it is more difficult than if they're going through regular court because they wouldn't have to do all the things they have to do for this court."

Judge Crowder agreed and said, if anything, the special court is reducing crime in southern Colorado.

"It's much more tied to getting additional benefits that people who went into harm's way really deserve," he said. "The net result is we have a lower repeat offender rate, it reduces crime in the community and it really helps people that deserve it."

The Veteran Trauma Court is not designed for every veteran who needs legal assistance. The District Attorney's office acts as a gatekeeper and will deny cases involving homicides, sexually violent crimes and typically those involving a weapon.

About 80 veterans are enrolled in the program, and about six have successfully graduated since the program began. Mcateer said nearly a dozen are expected to graduate in May.