John Novotnak was aware that he needed assistance.
The , U. S. Army , soldier whose eight-year job included a tour of duty in , Iraq, struggled after he was discharged from the military in 2008. Novotnak, 43, of , North Huntingdon , was charged in 2022 for the next day with drunken moving when he suddenly concluded he needed to make a lifestyle change.
He admitted guilt last season, and he was enrolled in Westmoreland County’s Veterans Court system for former military personnel who had been charged with crimes. He pleaded guilty to the charge last year. After successfully completing the six- to twenty-four-month system, soldiers charged with what officials described as small acts have a chance to avoid prison, receive shorter words, or have their circumstances dismissed.
” This system is about forgiveness and no punishment”, Novotnak said. Without this plan, I believe I may have felt forced to accept any form of punishment or accountability. I can really make up because of this.
On Tuesday, Novatnak was one of three people who received their degrees. Since its inception in 2019, 42 soldiers have successfully completed the program, according to , Westmoreland County ‘s , Veterans Court supervisor , Sean O’Block.
Pennsylvania ‘s , second soldiers care prosecutor opened in , Lackawanna County , in , November 2009. Twenty-five districts in state operate soldiers judge initiatives, according to state authorities.
There are currently 15 soldiers enrolled in , Westmoreland County ‘s , program that is overseen by Common Pleas Judge , Tim Krieger.
Krieger served as commander in the , U. S. Navy , until his retirement from the defense in 1991.
” When you are in the military, somebody has your back. Many people actually miss that when you leave. That loneliness also struck me. You immediately realize you are your own worst enemy”, Krieger said. It is crucial to support these people in making effective use of culture.
Veterans returning to civilian life may go through stress from their service, which can occasionally lead to drug and alcohol addiction and legal behaviour.  , Nico Rogers, 35, of , Greensburg , said he needed the preventative plan, that includes extensive control, counselling and drug and alcohol treatment when required, to change his lifestyle around.
Rogers, who served in the , U. S. Army Corps of Engineers , with travels in , Kuwait , and , Iraq , between 2011 and 2019, graduated from soldiers court in 2022 following his arrest on inebriated moving costs. He has been a programme coach for the past two years.
” It gave me everything I could get out of it, and it has made a lot of sense for me to help another.” There are many people in need of assistance, and this system has helped many people, according to Rogers.
Michael Garofalo, a senior who served in the , Pennsylvania National Guard, attends soldiers court as the local agent for the state’s public defender’s office. According to Garofalo, veterans ‘ assistance has grown to be a top priority thanks to the system.
” It’s a fantastic aid to soldiers who need a knee away,” he said. These, they have aid around them. A lot of people who come through these have grief. This program offers a lot to those who have served their country while also providing them with assistance as they navigate the ( criminal justice system ) in a way that others do n’t, according to Garofalo.
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