Veterans Stand Down: Here Comes the Judges

Veterans affairs: Judges volunteer at Stand Down to help vets with legal issues
Monterey Herald
By Dennis Taylor
July 4, 2014

SEASIDE
At least nine judges from six California counties will be among dozens of volunteers on hand Aug. 1-3 at Stand Down, a three-day tent city offering free medical, legal, housing, education, life skills and other services to homeless veterans.

The event, staged every other year by the Veterans Transition Center, will be held at Fort Ord's motor pool location, Eighth Avenue and Lloyd Way, north of Giggling Road.

The judges, including Monterey County Superior Court Judge Sam Lavorato, will hold court sessions to help homeless veterans resolve outstanding cases. In many instances, the judge will assign the veteran community service. Once that obligation is completed, the judge may dismiss the case. Monterey College of Law may then assist the veteran with a motion to clear his or her record.

"Once an individual's record is cleared, then that person has more of an opportunity for obtaining a job," Lavorato said. "Hopefully, my presence will help make a veteran whole again."

Other judges who have confirmed they will be there include John Gallagher of Santa Cruz County, Judge Stephen Manley of Santa Clara County and John Grandsaert of San Mateo County. Fresno, Solano and Alameda counties also have expressed interest in sending judges.
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