EDWARDSVILLE, IL (KMOX) -- Eight months after it welcomed its first veteran offender, the Madison County Veterans Court has a perfect record: 12 for 12.
Judge Charles Romani says none of the veterans entered into the program, who have been charged with crimes ranging from d-u-i to domestic battery, have committed another serious crime
Romani says their experience in the military helps them complete the program. He says because they're used to a structured way of life, they show respect for authority and show up for the alcohol or drug or psychiatric counseling they're required to receive.
Romani says if they don't comply with the program, they will be reprimanded and may end up in jail.
Romani and the others who volunteer their work in the Veterans Court, are veterans themselves, which he says leads to mutual respect.
One of the most dramatic stories involves a veteran who feared crowds, and especially children, because he feared they had bombs strapped to them. Romani says that vet now has a job, which requires him to be around people.
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