Any military veterans with an active misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor or non-felony warrants outstanding anywhere in Minnesota can have their cases heard in a special court proceeding next week, and volunteer defense attorneys will be there to advise them.

The hearings Tuesday at the Mayo Civic Center in Rochester are part of Minnesota StandDown, an effort to help veterans with legal matters, housing, taxes, employment, driver's licenses, benefits and other issues.

Assistance is available for social and legal issues in one place, and there's help for "veterans with their readjustment to civilian life," said Third Judicial District Chief Judge Robert Benson, whose court is in Fillmore County.

Veterans will also have free lunch as part of the event, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans and the Third Judicial District.

For more information, call 1-507-345-8258 or visit www.mac-v.org.

PAUL WALSH