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MADISON - ST. CLAIR RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Madison County Veterans' Court has 100 percent success rate to date, Callis says

Romani

Madison County's Veterans' Court program has hit the 100 percent mark in its success at keeping veterans from re-committing offenses that brought them to the court in the first place.

None of the seven graduates of the program have re-committed the offenses that brought them to the court's attention.

Madison County Chief Judge Ann Callis announced the figure March 4 in a press release.

About 40 veterans' courts have been established across the country to work to keep veterans who have run afoul of the criminal justice system from becoming habitual offenders.

Since the Madison program came into being two years ago, seven veterans have graduated from the court.

None, according to Callis' release, have re-offended and ended up back in the criminal justice system.

There are currently 40 veterans enrolled in the court program.
In the release, Callis praised Madison County Circuit Judge Charles Romani who oversees the Veterans' Court for his efforts.

"The enormous success of this court is due to the commitment of its presiding judge, Judge Charles Romani, a combat veteran from Vietnam, who has a real gift of communication to assist our veterans in our community," Callis said in the release.

The chief judge also praised the cooperation of the Madison County State's Attorney's Office, the county's probation office, and the Madison County Public Defender's Office for their work on the court.

All those staffing the court are veterans like Romani.

The Madison County Veteran's Court has received national recognition.

Romani has also testified about veterans' courts before Congress.

Any Veteran interested in volunteering to help the program may contact the Leave No Veteran Behind Mentor Coordinator, Madison County Courts and Probation Department, at 618-296-5202.

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