Veterans Ptsd Legal Complications

Summary

A retired combat veteran in Oregon was arrested and charged with menacing following a PTSD episode. His girlfriend, who called 911 during the episode, was issued a no-contact order. She has filed a motion to modify the order and is seeking legal advice to understand the charges and the legal process. The veteran is represented by a court-appointed attorney and is undergoing mental health treatment. The girlfriend is also trying to ensure that his PTSD is considered in his defense. The case is ongoing.

Full Conversation

My boyfriend is a retired combat veteran who was triggered and experienced a PTSD episode. I called * to get him help as I was scared for him. The responding law enforcement officers instead arrested him. He was held on a $*,* bail, placed a no-contact order between us as well as charging him with menacing.
What state are you located in, ****? This will help me provide more accurate information regarding your situation.
Oregon
What specific charges were filed against your boyfriend?
Menacing
What is the exact nature of the menacing charge? Was it verbal, physical, or both?

In Oregon, menacing can be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $*,* fine.
Menacing is when someone “puts another person in fear of immediate physical injury”
What was the exact behavior that led to the menacing charge?

In Oregon, menacing is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a $*,* fine.
The word “scared” was said.
Did your boyfriend threaten you or anyone else during his PTSD episode?
No
Did any physical harm occur during this episode?
No
What is the current status of your boyfriend's case?
I do not know. I am not receiving updates. I still have not had any contact. I did file a motion to modify the order and that hearing in next Tuesday. Otherwise, the only thing I know is the trial date */*/*
Who is representing your boyfriend in this case? It's important to have legal representation, especially when dealing with charges like menacing.
A court appointed attorney named Linda Haines
What is the location of the court where the hearing will take place?
* Main St. Oregon City, OR *
What is the name of the court where the hearing will take place?
Clackamas County Circuit Court
What is the nature of the modification you are seeking in the no-contact order?

For Clackamas County Circuit Court, you can contact them at (*) *-*.
Removal of the order, if not then at least have phone contact
What is the reason given for the no-contact order?

In Oregon, no-contact orders are typically issued in cases involving domestic violence or threats. They can be modified or removed by a judge if circumstances change.
I don’t know. I was never told
What was the exact reason given by the police for arresting your boyfriend?
They told me that they were “going to check on him and make sure he is okay and not injured. Then we will get him the help he needs”
What actions have been taken by his attorney, Linda Haines, to address the charges and the no-contact order?
I don’t know. His attorney won’t tell me anything
What is your relationship with his attorney, Linda Haines? Are you in direct contact with her or is your information relayed through a third party?
I do have a contact number for her, though when I call, I get her assistant
Have you tried reaching out to Linda Haines' assistant for updates on the case?
yes, and I am told the same thing over and over
What is the "same thing" that you're being told over and over by Linda Haines' assistant?
“As soon as we have an update, we will let you know”.
What actions have you taken to ensure your boyfriend gets the help he needs for his PTSD?

In Oregon, veterans can access mental health services through the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs.
I’ve contacted his doctor and expressed my concerns. Greatly reduced his alcohol intake as well as finding resources outside of the Veteran’s Affairs. I have info on all these resources and programs, yet cannot provide him with this information because of the order. It has been 84 days since he got arrested and 81 days since I found out about about the order. I know the same information today with no additional details.
What is the nature of the resources and programs you've found outside of the Veteran's Affairs?
*: Help him reduce his continuous isolation
What specific programs or resources have you found to help reduce his isolation?
WWP (Wounded Warrior Program) including Project Odyssey: A *-week, free mental health program that uses adventure-based learning to help warriors manage and overcome their invisible wounds, enhance their resiliency skills, and live productive and fulfilling lives.
What is the current status of your boyfriend's participation in the Wounded Warrior Program or Project Odyssey?
He has been an alumni member since * although never utilized them because he never left the house, let alone get out of bed.
What steps have you taken to get the no-contact order modified or removed?

In Oregon, you can request a modification or removal of a no-contact order by filing a motion in the court that issued the order.
I filed a motion earlier this week and I have a hearing scheduled for Tuesday of next week. Besides that, I have told the judges, prosecutors, district attorneys as well as the assigned advocate that I don’t want the order active and there was no reason for it to begin with
What is the name of the judge presiding over your boyfriend's case? This information can help you understand the judge's past rulings and tendencies.
Susie L. Norby
What is the nature of the relationship between you and your boyfriend? This will help in understanding the context of the no-contact order.
Want to get married
What is the legal age for marriage in your state? In Oregon, the legal age for marriage is 18 years old. If you're under *, you'll need parental consent or a court order.
*
What is the name of the prosecutor handling your boyfriend's case?
John S. Foote
What actions has prosecutor John S. Foote taken in your boyfriend's case so far?
I don’t know
What is the nature of the PTSD episode that your boyfriend experienced?
It was like as if he was back over seas in Iraq or Afghanistan in direct combat
What actions did your boyfriend take during his PTSD episode that led to the menacing charge?
Stuff flew across our kitchen
What was the context in which the stuff flew across the kitchen? Did your boyfriend throw it or was it an accidental result of his PTSD episode?
Is was an complete accident. He did not do it intentionally. He swiped his arm across the counter top of our breakfast bar causing things to fly everywhere
What was the police's response when you explained that your boyfriend's actions were due to a PTSD episode and not intentional?
I was unable to explain myself that far
What was the police's reaction when they arrived at the scene and saw your boyfriend's condition?
I don’t know. Dispatch had me walk down one end my street where the police met me. When they went to our home to check on my boyfriend, they had me wait down the street by their police vehicle
What was the outcome when the police checked on your boyfriend?
Not sure. When one of the officers came back to his vehicle, he mentioned the my boyfriend said something about changing the door lock code and would be unable to get inside. Then escorted me to front door and noticed they already had him in the back of police car. I unlocked the door and went inside, they followed. When inside, asked me if I would feel safe or not if my boyfriend was able to stay. I replied that, “I would feel safe yet I was scared that he might get hurt or accidentally hurt himself. I would be more relieved if he goes to the doctor or hospital.” They went back outside and from inside I saw and heard and officer say, “Mr. Crawford, hands behind your back. You are under arrest”
What was the reason given by the police for arresting your boyfriend, specifically?
I do not recall being given a reason by the police
What was the police's response when you explained that your boyfriend's actions were due to a PTSD episode and not intentional?
Like I said, I wasn’t given the opportunity to make that statement
What steps have you taken to ensure your boyfriend's PTSD is considered in his defense?
The local law enforcement as well as the courts, prosecutor, his attorney, the county/state DA, the advocate assigned to the case as well as the judge all know that he is a veteran. I’ve made sure they all know because I have told them all over and over, yet it is as if none of them care about that. It is sad but very true that when a veteran, especially male veterans, are called on no matter the situation….it is easier to arrest them rather than getting them help.
What steps has his attorney, Linda Haines, taken to ensure his PTSD is considered in his defense?
I have no idea
What steps have you taken to ensure your boyfriend's PTSD is considered in his defense?
I inform anyone and everyone that I speak to regarding the case that he a combat veteran who suffers severe PTSD, depression, hearing loss, light sensitivity, TBI (traumatic brain injury) as well as Achilles tendinitis
What steps has the court-appointed attorney taken to include your boyfriend's PTSD and other health conditions in his defense?
I was informed at the last court appearance that he was attending outpatient treatment and would be admitted to an intensive inpatient treatment program the same day.
What is the name and contact details of the outpatient treatment program he was attending?
Cedar Hills Hospital - IOP (intensive outpatient) (*) *-* address: * S.W. Eastridge St. Portland, OR *
What is the status of your boyfriend's treatment at Cedar Hills Hospital - IOP?

In Oregon, mental health conditions like PTSD can be considered in a defendant's defense, potentially impacting the outcome of the case.
I assume he has completed the treatment as it is a *-day program
What was the outcome of the hearing to modify the no-contact order?

In Oregon, the judge will consider the safety of the victim and the public before modifying a no-contact order.
The date of the hearing as not yet arrived.
What is the date of the hearing for the modification of the no-contact order?

In Oregon, the judge will consider the safety of the victim and the public before modifying a no-contact order.
August *, *
What is the current status of your boyfriend's case after the hearing on August *, *?
I will hopefully know more after the hearing.
What is the current status of your boyfriend's mental health treatment?
ongoing
What is the name and contact details of the inpatient treatment program he is attending?
Can I get a copy of the previous conversation
Sure, I can help with that. Could you please provide me with the date of the conversation you want a copy of?
*/*/*
To retrieve a copy of your previous conversation, you may need to contact the platform's customer service. Unfortunately, as a legal information provider, I don't have access to chat histories.