American Legion presents local attorney Tim Hartley with ‘Great American Award’

American Legion presents local attorney Tim Hartley with ‘Great American Award’

ROCKWALL, TX (June 5, 2024) The “Great American Award” is given annually by the Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion Post 117 to a local, non-veteran to recognize and honor their contribution to the local veteran’s community through selfless acts of service supporting veterans and their families.

This year, The Rockwall Terry Fisher American Legion Post 117 selected Rockwall County criminal defense attorney Tim Hartley for his many years as the lead defense council for veterans assigned to the North Texas Veterans Court, an alternative judicial program to aid veterans who committed offenses based on the impacts of their military service. It is designed to hold each individual accountable while allowing them to pathway to rehabilitation and a return to become productive members of society.

“It is a highly successful program and Tim volunteers thousands of hours to help veterans enter the program and graduate successfully. We are indebted to him!” said US Air Force veteran Mark Kipphut.

The Veterans Treatment Court Program is a Federal DOJ program that supports state and efforts to plan and implement or enhance the operations of veteran’s treatment courts. These courts effectively integrate evidence-based substance use disorder treatment, mandatory drug testing, incentives and sanctions, and recovery support services in judicially supervised court settings that have jurisdiction over veterans involved in the justice system who have substance use disorders, including a history of violence and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of their military service. In Texas a combination of grants and government funds support the court and its operations.

Blue Ribbon News staff report.