Veterans displaced by the wild fires in California can find information on legal help with their disaster recovery on the State Bar's website. Other state agencies can also help with your recovery:
There are a number of California laws that protect current service members and veterans, and programs that can help them when they encounter a legal problem.
Options to jail time People whose crimes may be related to sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse or mental health problems from military service may have the option of treatment instead of serving time behind bars. Judges have the option of sentencing veterans to treatment for certain classes of crimes under Penal Code 1170.9.
Veterans Treatment Courts Thirty-one counties in California have Veterans Treatment Courts for people facing various charges, from substance abuse to mental illness. These courts help connect veterans to treatment programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and California social service agencies. More counties are expected to add veterans courts soon.
Assistance with housing and home loans Veterans, including the homeless and those who are struggling homeowners, can take advantage of help through state and federal programs. The California Department of Veterans Affairs connects to a range of programs.
Property tax exemptions for disabled vets and surviving spouses A veteran who is 100 percent disabled or is compensated at the 100 percent rate due to service-connected injury or disease is exempt up to $100,000 ($150,000 for low income) from property tax. Find out how to take advantage of this California State Board of Equalization tax exemption.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides protects service members while they are on active duty. Service members returning from duty can use this form to protect themselves from legal action. The law protects families from eviction, foreclosure, automobile repossession and other legal problems related to rental agreements, security deposits, installment contracts, rising credit card interest, civil judicial proceedings, income tax payments and automobile loans.
California Department of Veterans Affairs The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has information on healthcare, housing, education, employment and benefits. Sign up for a listserv that lets you know about events where homeless veterans can find information about social services and other resources.
Swords to Plowshares Swords to Plowshares is a veterans service organization working to help veterans since 1974. The online guides cover how to handle a range of issues important to veterans including pensions, mental health exams, military records and benefits.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Provides advice for veterans on protecting their finances and planning their financial future.
eBenefits This government website affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps members with legal assistance in obtaining benefits.
National Center for PTSD The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research center providing education, treatment options, and support related to PTSD and traumatic stress for veterans.
Veterans Crisis Line Free and confidential crisis hotline from specially trained and experienced qualified VA responders. Veterans can get support by phone, text, or chat. Click here for more information.
Job Training & Apprenticeships California State Approving Agency for Veterans Education (CSAAVE) Department of Labor - United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (MAPS), Helmets to Hardhats, Veterans in Piping, The Painters and Allied Trades Veterans ProgramFedsHireVetsSwords to PlowsharesU.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
If you need legal help to address your problem, the following may have pro bono attorneys to help you.
Additional legal resources can be found at LawHelpCA.org.
Veterans Pro Bono Directory by City Los Angeles
Inner City Law Center Public Counsel – Center for Veterans’ Advancement UCLA Law Center
San Francisco Bar Association of SF, Justice and Diversity Center BASF V-Hub
Veterans Pro Bono Directory by County Los Angeles County
Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles Neighborhood Legal Services LA Veterans Legal Institute
Orange County
Public Law Center Veterans Legal Institute
San Diego County
San Diego County Bar Association
San Francisco County
Bay Area Legal Aid Golden Gate University School of Law
Regional – SF Bay Area
Swords to Plowshare
Statewide – Serving all counties
California Courts - The Judicial Branch of California CalVet - Veterans Resource Book Golden Gate University School of Law HERA LawHelpCA.org
National Veterans Pro Bono Directory
American Bar Association Benefits and Services Assistance Department of Veteran Affairs - Veterans Programs and Services Justice for Vets Chapman University - Military and Veterans Law Institute National Association of Veterans Advocates National Veterans Legal Services Program Public Counsel - Center for Veterans' Advancement USA.gov