News Item

Military veterans with active misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, or non-felony warrants outstanding can have their cases heard in a special court proceeding on Oct. 4, 2011.  Volunteer defense attorneys will be available to assist veterans.  The hearings will take place at the Mayo Civic Center, Rochester, MN. 

The special court hearings are part of Minnesota StandDown, an effort to help veterans with legal matters, housing, taxes, employment, driver’s licenses, benefits, and other issues.  A free lunch will also be served to the veterans.  The event is sponsored by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) and the Third Judicial District.

“The Third Judicial District is pleased to participate with MACV in providing comprehensive services to veterans that will aid them in resolving social and legal issues in one place,” said Third Judicial District Chief Judge Robert Benson. “It is designed to help veterans with their re-adjustment to civilian life.”

Judges and volunteers will be available from 1 pm. to 4 p.m. to allow veterans to resolve cases pending from anywhere in the state of Minnesota.  “It is an efficient way to move the cases and to help veterans get the benefits they've earned, as well as remove obstacles to employment and housing,” said Third Judicial District Judge Robert Birnbaum, one of the judges participating in the event.  Other judges participating include: Renee Worke (Court of Appeals), Janet Cain (Carver County), John Cajacob (Rice County), James Dehn (Isanti County), Mary Leahy (Winona County), Kathryn Messerich (Dakota County), Robert Rancourt (Chisago County), John Smith (Cass County), and Bradley Walker (Blue Earth County).

For more information, contact the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, Mankato, MN, at 507-345-8258 or visit www.mac-v.org.

What: Special Veterans Court Calendar

When: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011

Where: Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive, S.E., Rochester, MN