TAMPA, Fla. — The 8th Annual 13th Judicial District's Veterans Outreach Court is happening Friday at the James A Haley VA Primary Care Annex in Tampa.

The purpose of the Outreach Court is to help veterans address minor infractions they can't afford, and that could lead to license suspensions and even problems finding employment.

Judge Daryl Manning of the 13th Judicial Circuit will preside over the Outreach Court and said some vets don’t have the financial means to handle fines that pile up after minor offenses like ordinance violations, traffic tickets and in some cases misdemeanor warrants.

Manning, a veteran of the U.S. Army himself, knows firsthand the sacrifice and service our veterans have offered our country. That’s why he is so passionate about this type of outreach. 

“Those things don’t go away as much and as much as veterans and other people hope they would,” said Manning. “They remain on your record, you might get a citation, and if you don’t pay it, it incurs late fees. You might eventually have your license suspended and that would certainly prohibit you from operating a motor vehicle and it might hinder your opportunities for employment or housing."

Veterans are selected for the Outreach Court on a case-by-case basis.

In its eight years, the court has helped 259 veterans resolve more than 1,000 cases, providing financial assistance of $282,000.