Nearly 16percent of Cambria County's population is made up veterans and on Friday, county officials made a big announcement for some of them: the creation of Veterans' Court. Officials said it's meant to help veterans who have been diagnosed with disorders like PTSD, depression, even drug and alcohol addiction.

"We owe them," said Cambria County District Attorney Kelly Callihan. "We should give back to them if they are facing situations where they need help."

But to clear up any confusion, Callihan said it's not a "get out of jail free" card. She said it's more of a means to help veterans who may have developed problems as a result of war and at the same time give them a second chance for the sacrifices they made while serving the country.

"Sometimes good, decent, hardworking people face problems in their lives that cause them to make mistakes which land them in the criminal justice system," said Callihan.

When a Cambria County veteran gets into trouble with the law, any charges they face could result in a bad conduct or dishonorable discharge from the service. This prohibits them from receiving any medical services and that's why the county is stepping in to first offer some help.

"… To address any drug, physical or mental health needs, coupled with court intervention in lieu of, and as an alternative to, incarceration," explained president judge Timothy Creany. "(The goal is to help) that veteran return to a healthy and productive lifestyle."

Veterans would need to be referred to the program. County officials said they must be diagnosed with a disorder or working towards a diagnosis. From there they'll be assessed and their eligibility will be determined.

"We've designed it where any violent felony or serious crime that would cause injuries to a victim would not be eligible for Veterans' Court," said Callihan.

The veterans will then go through all criminal proceedings, but instead of immediately facing charges, they'll be placed into a program to get them help, complete with an assigned mentor and meetings on at least a bi-weekly basis.

"If successful, that veteran will have the charges dismissed on less-serious offenses, and on more-serious offenses, they will be permitted to plead to less-serious charges," said Creany.

County officials said there are still some details that need to be ironed out but they said they are excited to get the program rolling. The first court session is scheduled for the end of January.