Judge Patrick Dugan says military veterans are a special part of society. They have worn the uniform for the United States and have put themselves into harm’s way. Because of that sacrifice, Judge Dugan says, it’s important to give them a hand if they wind up in trouble with the law. He helped establish Veterans Court in Philadelphia in 2010 and now spends a morning each week presiding over it. This court is important to Judge Dugan. He is a captain in the U.S. Army Reserve and previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan, among other postings. He understands that veterans have endured a lot, physically and mentally, through their service. While most military people return home and lead fruitful lives, some develop problems and commit crimes. Veterans land in his courtroom for drug possession, drunken driving, thefts, and other misdemeanor crimes. Misdemeanors are not among the most serious crimes. Veterans Court is different from most courtrooms because it has counselors, social workers, Judge Patrick Dugan Giving veterans a better chance to cope mentors, and other professionals who can help people who have served the country deal with their problems. The veterans don’t have to wait weeks or months for help. Appointments are scheduled on the spot. The court also connects them with benefits they may be eligible for through the government. The benefits might include health care or help with housing. All this support doesn’t mean that the veterans get off lightly if they have committed a crime. They must agree to follow a treatment plan for six months to two years. If they don’t stick to it, they can get kicked out of the program and are assigned to a different court. Even if they succeed in the program, some veterans still must stand trial for the crimes they have been charged with. Still, with a treatment plan, they can start a process of getting back on their feet. Judge Dugan also says Veterans Court has a good success rate in helping people restart their lives compared to a typical court. Judge Dugan wants children to understand that military people go off to do their job when the president tells them it is time to go. They should be respected for what they do and how they do it. Veterans are among the best of our citizens, Judge Dugan says. He says Veterans Court allows people who have served the country to become productive