(Lancaster) -- Military veterans facing criminal charges could soon see their cases tried in a special midstate court. Lancaster County is expecting to open its veterans court in the first half of next year. Judge Jeffrey Wright will preside over the court. He says it aims to create individualized plans for veteran offenders that could include fines and jail time, but will also have counseling and treatment for problems like post-traumatic stress disorder. "We've created this program in recognition that these people have served their country honorably and we want to give them the opportunity to treat whatever was causing the conduct." He says vets who received a dishonorable discharge, or those accused of murder or Megan's Law crimes would not be eligible for the special court. Vets make up a disporportionate amount of the U.S. prison population, according to Department of Justice figures. In veterans court, each defendant is assigned a veteran mentor, and volunteers are needed for the program. For more information, contact Amvets Post 19, 715 Fairview Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17603 or (717) 393-2907