JANESVILLE (WMSN) -- A groundbreaking justice program is underway in Rock County. Judges say its the first of its kind in Wisconsin.



"Veterans Court," as it's called, is meant help troubled vets without sending them directly to jail.



This is a kind of diversion court -- similar to drug court and juvenile court. Here, all the defendants are military veterans -- most of them living with post traumatic stress disorder.



It's all about giving them a second chance.



The Rock County Courthouse was built to honor the memory of civil war soldiers. Now, the building is living up to that dedication, by housing a veterans court.



It's a program for soldiers who come home physically and mentally scarred by their deployments, causing them to delve into depression, and sometimes criminal behavior.



Rory McGarry, a veteran of two tours in Iraq, is a mentor with the veterans court.



"I just thought I could help out," he said. "We're here to be someone who's had similar experiences. We talk about other issues. We're facilitators, and a sounding board."



The program handles mostly non-violent offenses. Veterans have to attend mental health or substance abuse counseling, find and keep a job, stay sober, and get their lives back on track.



"You're lowering the number of future crimes being committed, getting the person treatment, the person gets to go on with his life," said Judge James P. Daley. "People of Rock County and his family benefit from it."



Daley, a Vietnam vet and purple heart recipient, runs the court. Before each case, he brings his team together for a briefing, discussing a vet's personal circumstances.



If veterans successfully complete the court program, the charges against them are dismissed.



These diversion programs can be expensive, but Judge Daley says the it won't cost Rock County citizens very much money.



Veterans receive federal funding under their service benefits.



Daley estimates about 100 vets will go through the court program this year.

Giving Veterans a second chance