Veterans Criminal Defense Lawyers in Minneapolis
Attorneys Brock Hunter and Ryan Else Literally Wrote the Book on Defending Military Veterans in Criminal Court!
When our nation sends young men and women to prepare for and fight wars,
it unleashes certain things in a human being
that we do not allow in civic society. Getting it all back in the box
can be difficult for some people. Like each of their predecessors, the
Iraq and Afghan Wars have been accompanied by a tidal wave of invisible
psychological and physiological wounds.
Those suffering most severely often find themselves entangled in the criminal
justice system. It is critical to hire an attorney who not only understands
these unique issues but also has the experience to recognize the special
legal options available to veterans.
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our Minneapolis veterans criminal defense attorneys stand up for those who have risked everything to protect this country. Schedule a consultation with a member of our team by calling (612) 979-1112 or submitting an online contact form today.
Special Considerations in Criminal Cases Involving Veterans
When a military member returns to civilian life after service, they bring with them their experiences in the armed forces. While some of those experiences allow veterans to make considerable contributions to society, others can lead to violent behavior. Veterans struggling with afflictions such as PTSD, drug addiction, or alcohol dependency might engage in unlawful conduct and find themselves facing criminal charges.
An attorney handling a veteran’s case must recognize the underlying issues associated with criminal conduct. They must be prepared to seek resolutions that address afflictions and do not merely impose punishments upon the veteran.
At Brockton D. Hunter P.A., our veterans defense lawyers in Minneapolis, MN, are former service members themselves. We appreciate and understand the struggles veterans face and do everything in our legal power to protect the veteran’s rights and future.
Imposing criminal penalties upon a veteran can be a detriment to the individual and society. Such sanctions do not allow the veteran to reintegrate into and become a productive member of the community. Recognizing this, our team pursues every legal avenue to help veterans get the treatment they need to end the cycle of criminal behavior.
Alternatives to Incarceration for Veterans
Generally, courts impose criminal penalties on those convicted of crimes. For veterans suffering from service-related issues, punitive measures can do more harm than help. Fortunately, alternatives to incarceration may be available, allowing veterans to get the treatment they need for an underlying affliction.
In some cases, there may be special sentencing structures for veterans with service-related issues. Often, they require the veteran to plead guilty to the offense and enter a rehabilitation or treatment program. If the veteran completes the conditions, their case may be dismissed. However, if they violate the terms, they may be convicted.
If you are a former service member charged with a crime, speak with our Minneapolis veterans defense attorneys to learn about your legal options.
The Veterans Defense Project
In an effort to enhance the public and criminal defense community’s understanding of the need for specialized legal representation of veterans, our attorneys recently founded the Veterans Defense Project, a nonprofit organization.
The Veterans Defense Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit formed for the purpose of educating the public about the unique issues facing combat veterans in the criminal justice system.
The VDP’s mission is to:
- Promote and perform education, research, and informational programs to increase public awareness of issues affecting veterans in the criminal justice system;
- Support strong legal defense for military veterans charged with crimes; and
- Facilitate the rehabilitation of criminally charged veterans.
Representing Our Nation’s Heroes
A veteran himself, Brock Hunter dedicates a significant portion of his legal practice to defending military veterans who find themselves in criminal court. Together with fellow veteran and associate Ryan Else, Brockton D. Hunter P.A. has become Minnesota’s, and perhaps the nation’s, premier law firm advocating for veterans in criminal court.
What Sets Our Minnesota Veterans Criminal Defense Firm Apart?
- Included in Minnesota Super Lawyers list (Top 5% of MN attorneys receive this distinction)
- Nationally recognized authority on veterans defense
- Proven record of reduced charges, dismissed cases, and not guilty verdicts
- Founders of the Veterans Defense Project
Trusted Advocate for Veteran Issues in Minnesota
In 2008, Brock drafted and led the passage of Minnesota’s new Veterans Sentencing Mitigation law (Minnesota Statute 609.115, Subd. 10). This pioneering law made Minnesota only the second state in the nation to encourage treatment over incarceration for veterans whose service-related psychological injury played a role in their criminal offense.
A nationally recognized authority in this area, Brock regularly travels the country from coast to coast, lecturing judges, attorneys, and other legal professionals. Our Minneapolis veterans defense lawyers at Brockton D. Hunter, P.A. continue to receive honors and awards for their dedication to defending our nation’s heroes. This includes an invitation to help brief the Presidential Transition Team on policies to assist combat veterans in criminal courts.