There is no question that those that serve this country in a war zone should be given deferential treatment when it comes to the law.  This is exactly what the California Legislature envisioned when it created a special law that allows veterans to avoid jail for criminal charges when they can trace substance abuse back to their service in the armed forces while at war.  For example, recently Torrance DUI Attorney Matthew Ruff successfully utilized this little known law in the Penal Code to keep a third time DUI offender out of jail.  The defendant was an ex-marine veteran that served this country in three tours of duty in the middle east.  When he came back he was diagnosed with PTSD and continued his course with alcohol abuse.  Where the attorney came in was for the 3rd DUI where the vet was facing a minimum 120 days in the county jail for drinking and driving.  The lawyer set the matter for a sentencing hearing and produced evidence that the client did in fact suffer from an alcohol addiction that stemmed from his time in the military and in service of his country, the judge agreed and allowed the veteran to walk out of court with no jail, on the condition that he continue a course of counseling and treatment for his substance abuse issues.

Matthew Ruff is a Torrance DUI Lawyer with well over 15 years experience in defending the rights of those accused of criminal offenses in California, his practice is limited exclusively to criminal defense and drunk driving matters.