Five courts in Massachusetts specifically deal with veterans who get into trouble with the law. The newest opened last November in Holyoke with two participants. Today Judge Laurie Macleod says the number’s risen to 19.

Macleod says the aim is to hold defendants accountable while honoring their military service and mandating treatment. Macleod says many times veterans who land in court don’t even self-identify as vets. She says too often they’re embarrassed and ashamed.