05 Nov Veterans Amnesty Court is a component of the annual Stand Down events. Manatee County’s Treatment Court manager, Alfred James (left), sits with staff from the Veterans Administration. VA reps verified a veteran’s status as they checked in for court. Judge Arend reviews court records during a hearing in Veterans Amnesty Court. Judge Arend speaks with a veteran during a hearing in Amnesty Veterans Court. Annual event aims to help veterans get back on the road Circuit Judge Lon Arend presided over a session of Veterans Amnesty Court during the Manatee Stand Down event on Saturday, November 2nd at the Palmetto Fairgrounds. The health and wellness event that targets veterans also includes an opportunity for them to settle their unpaid traffic violations or court fees/fines on closed cases. During Amnesty Court, the judge evaluates each veteran based on his or her situation and after taking that into consideration, the judge has the discretion to reduce, waive or convert the unpaid legal financial obligations to public service work hours. This simple act can remove an obstacle and help a veteran regain the ability to obtain a driver’s license. Eighteen veterans were served during this year's event. Return to News List