Changes in Veterans’ Diversion under Criminal Justice Reform and the BRAVE Act

Last month the Massachusetts House and Senate voted unanimously to pass the “BRAVE Act,” a bill designed to expand access to services and benefits for veterans and their families. Although the recently enacted Criminal Justice Reform Law generally expanded diversion availability for adults and juveniles, it eliminated some diversion opportunities for veterans otherwise eligible under the VALOR Act. The BRAVE Act restores one of those opportunities, allowing veterans to be considered for veterans diversion if charged with a first offense operating under the influence (OUI).

Criminal Record Access after An Act Relative to Criminal Justice Reform

Where criminal records are more readily available via the internet and third-party background checkers, the potential for long lasting collateral consequences is increased. The recently enacted Criminal Justice Reform law seeks to reduce the negative impact of criminal records on a person’s ability to reintegrate into society..