‘God was on my side today’: Program helps resolve court fees, fines for veterans

TAMPA, Fla. - Dozens of veterans went to court on Friday with old fees and fines and walked out with more financial freedom. 

For 12 long years, John Toborg has had an old traffic ticket that had weighed on his mind and wallet but, not anymore.

He recently went before Tampa judge Kimberly Brennan who heard his case and tossed the ticket due to lack of evidence.

"We'll dismiss this case and there are no costs or fees or anything," ruled Brennan.

"Awesome! Thank you very much," Toborg explained.

John Toborg went before a Tampa judge as part of the Veteran's Outreach Court and had the fees associated with an old traffic ticket tossed due to lack of evidence. 

Toborg is a military veteran who signed up for Hillsborough County's Veteran Outreach Court held at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital Annex in Tampa.

It’s a program aimed at helping vets get back on track and resolve court fees and fines that may be holding them back. 

READ: Hillsborough County's veterans court program to get national funding

The charges are often waived or dismissed entirely.

"The judge recognized my case when someone driving my truck ran a stop light and they dismissed it for me easy peasy," stated Toborg.

Veteran's Outreach Court is a program aimed at helping vets get back on track and resolve court fees and fines that may be holding them back. 

In the next makeshift courtroom, Tampa judge Michael Williams heard from Clement Brooks Jr. He is on a fixed income, but he racked up legal fines and his driver's license was suspended.

"I went through some bad times but turning it around though," he said.

READ: Court-run treatment program helping veterans beat addiction

Judge Williams kept the good momentum going by saying, "All right, I'm going to reduce each case to $5 court costs, okay?"

"Yes sir," said Brooks.

Dozens of veterans went to court on Friday with hefty fees and fines and walked out with more financial freedom. 

Brooks walked out of the courtroom knowing someday he might be able to drive again.

"Thank God. God was on my side today," said a relieved Brooks.

Veteran Robert Bean has a couple of hefty fines he can’t afford to pay. 

READ: Veterans get second chance through treatment court

Judge Williams threw it out.

"I'm going to find that the red lights cameras were facially deficient and dismiss both," ruled Williams.

A veteran stands before a judge in hopes of having court fines and fees reduced of waived. 

Bean thanked Williams for his compassion and understanding.

Bean now has a clean slate, sprinkled with judicial gratitude.

"We appreciate your service," said Williams as Bean walked out.

The organization hopes to spread the word to help more veterans next year.