Veterans facing criminal charges in Colorado face a unique set of consequences that civilian defendants do not. A conviction can jeopardize VA disability benefits, affect housing assistance, and carry collateral consequences that follow a veteran for life. William Bacharach is a VA-accredited attorney who understands both the criminal justice system and the veterans benefits system — and how to defend cases in a way that protects both.
Why Veterans Need a Defense Attorney Who Understands the VA
Most criminal defense attorneys understand the criminal court system. Fewer understand how a conviction interacts with a veteran's VA benefits and eligibility for federal programs. William Bacharach is VA-accredited, meaning he is authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to assist veterans with benefits matters — giving him a perspective on veterans' cases that most defense attorneys simply don't have.
Criminal Charges That Commonly Affect Veterans
DUI / DWAI
DUI charges are among the most common criminal matters facing veterans. A DUI conviction can affect a veteran's security clearance, federal employment eligibility, and in some cases VA benefits. William Bacharach defends DUI and DWAI charges across the Denver metro area with an understanding of what is at stake for veterans specifically.
Domestic Violence
Veterans dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or combat-related stress are statistically more likely to face domestic violence charges. A domestic violence conviction triggers a federal firearms prohibition under the Lautenberg Amendment — permanently stripping a veteran of the right to possess firearms. William Bacharach defends these cases aggressively and works to protect veterans from consequences that go far beyond the criminal sentence itself.
Assault
Physical altercations involving veterans are sometimes rooted in service-connected conditions including PTSD, anxiety, or traumatic brain injury. Colorado courts increasingly recognize these factors, and presenting a veteran's military history and service-connected conditions effectively can be critical to achieving a favorable outcome.
Drug Offenses
Veterans struggling with service-connected substance use disorders face criminal charges that can compound an already difficult situation. Colorado's veterans treatment court and diversion programs offer alternatives to incarceration for eligible veterans — William Bacharach knows how to identify and pursue these options.
Veterans Treatment Court — Denver
Denver and several surrounding jurisdictions operate Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) — specialized dockets that combine accountability with treatment and peer support from fellow veterans. Eligible veterans may be able to resolve criminal charges through VTC rather than through traditional prosecution, avoiding conviction and its collateral consequences entirely. Attorney Bacharach evaluates every eligible veteran's case for VTC placement and advocates for admission where appropriate.
How a Criminal Conviction Can Affect VA Benefits
Potential VA Benefit Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
- Incarceration: VA compensation is reduced to 10% of the rate payable for a total disability during incarceration for any conviction of more than 60 days
- Fugitive felons: Veterans who are fugitives from justice are not entitled to VA benefits during that period
- Domestic violence conviction: Federal Lautenberg Amendment permanently prohibits firearm possession — affects veterans in law enforcement, security, and military service
- Sex offender registration: Can affect housing benefits and certain VA programs
VA Accreditation — What It Means for You
VA accreditation is granted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of General Counsel to attorneys who are authorized to assist veterans with VA benefits claims, appeals, and related matters. William Bacharach holds VA accreditation number 60893, and is listed in the VA's official accredited attorney directory. This means he can represent veterans in VA benefits matters in addition to criminal defense — providing comprehensive legal support to veterans navigating both systems simultaneously.
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury as Mitigating Factors
Colorado courts have increasingly recognized the role of service-connected mental health conditions in veterans' criminal cases. Presenting evidence of PTSD, TBI, moral injury, or other service-connected conditions — through medical records, VA ratings, and expert testimony — can be central to achieving a just outcome. William Bacharach approaches veterans' cases with the understanding that the conduct before the court may be inseparable from the veteran's military service.
Frequently Asked Questions — Veterans Criminal Defense
How do criminal charges affect VA benefits?
Criminal convictions can affect VA benefits in several ways: incarceration reduces disability compensation after 60 days for any conviction, a felony conviction can bar VA pension benefits, and a dishonorable discharge resulting from criminal conduct can eliminate VA benefits entirely. A VA-accredited attorney who understands both systems can minimize these crossover consequences.
What is veterans court in Colorado?
Several Colorado jurisdictions offer veterans treatment courts, which provide an alternative to traditional prosecution for veterans whose criminal conduct is connected to military service-related issues such as PTSD, TBI, or substance abuse. Successful completion typically results in dismissed or reduced charges.
Why should a veteran hire a VA-accredited attorney for criminal charges?
Most criminal defense attorneys do not understand how a criminal conviction affects VA benefits, discharge status, and federal veterans' rights. A VA-accredited attorney can simultaneously defend the criminal case while protecting the client's VA benefits and advising on character of discharge implications.
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Veteran Facing Criminal Charges in Denver?
You deserve an attorney who understands what is at stake — in court and with the VA. Call William Bacharach for a free, confidential consultation.