A new court in Brooke County is helping veterans who are facing charges get back on their feet.

It's the first of its kind in West Virginia: Veterans Court. Its first hearing was held in October, in which Brooke County resident Aaron Ensminger was accepted into the program.

"I was in the Air Force, and I was hurt while deployed. I had a car accident, and I was ejected and fractured my skull and crushed a couple vertebrate, among many other injuries," Ensminger said.

According to Ensminger, the injuries he suffered in the United Arab Emirates led to a dependence on pain-killers, and when his prescription was cut off, the temptations he experienced back home were too much.

"I came back to a Follansbee that had changed, you know? Pain-killers were all over the place here now, and I just got into it with my old friends -- fell back in with my old friends. I helped self-medicate," he said.

According to probation officer Steve Seminsky, the program does not give special treatment to veterans. Rather, it's similar to Drug Court, which is already in place, that gives those facing charges a chance to complete a year-long program.

He said if they don't complete it, they will face the original charges. If they do complete the program, the sentences could be reduced or charges dropped.

"We have to provide the right amount of services to those that have defended us. They have written that blank check that says, 'I will do anything for you,'" Seminsky said.

He said the program includes meeting with probation officers, completing drug tests, and also counseling for the veterans and their families.

It also gives those veterans a mentor -- someone who's also served their country -- to help them through.

Ryan Weld, who served in Afghanistan, said he is looking forward to being a mentor, because he understands the importance of that bond.

"You're a friend. You're not just an attorney speaking to them, a member of the court speaking to them. You're someone who's been through their experiences before, and it's easy to relate with them," Weld said.

While Ensminger is in the program, he said he has to stay busy to keep out of trouble, realizing the importance of a second chance.

"If there wasn't any Veterans Court, I'd probably be sitting in regional (jail). That's probably where I'd be," Ensminger said.

Although the program is just starting, Seminsky said the program is getting noticed throughout the state, as any West Virginia veteran can come to Brooke County to be seen for various charges.