North Carolina to expand veterans’ court

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported (http://bit.ly/1wrvmwz) McCrory’s announcement comes as the first class graduated from the program Wednesday.

It helps veterans avoid convictions by getting help for underlying problems that sent them to court. The vets are paired with a veteran who meets with them weekly and keeps them on track in rehabilitation.

The court started in Harnett County last year using a grant of more than $65,000 from the Governor’s Crime Commission.

A similar program starts Thursday in Cumberland County.

The governor said the state wants to give veterans a second chance when they get in trouble because they’ve been dealing with very difficult problems.

McCrory says he wants to make North Carolina more veteran friendly.