Veteran Courts

The Veterans' Court program is for those currently in, or entering, the criminal justice system. Those involved in the program often have issues as the result of:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Traumatic brain injury
• Anger issues
• Alcohol abuse
• Drug Abuse

Depending on the issue the veteran is facing, the veteran's support team works to create and supervise a specialized treatment plan. These treatment plans are designed to address the underlying causes of the veteran's behavior and substance abuse issues.

Each Veterans' Court is operated differently depending on the community, presiding judge, and support staff. This program is voluntary and the veteran must ask to be placed in the program. Once a veteran requests to be in the program, the prosecutor, defense attorney, and judge may consider the following:

• The criminal charge that the veteran is facing
• The veteran's legal history
• Plea agreements that may exist
• Recommendations from Adult Probation Departments
• The veteran being willing to fully participate in the program

For the veteran to remain eligible, they have to actively participate and work towards making progress in the treatment program that is developed for them by the court.

Veterans' Court may differ based on the courthouse. The general process is as folllows:

1. The prosecutor and the defense counsel evaluate each case and must agree that the case is appropriate for Veterans' Court.
2. The case is then presented to the Judge for final approval.
3. The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach specialist then verifies the veteran's eligibility for benefits.
4. The specialist then conducts an initial assessment of the veteran’s treatment requirements.
5. The veteran is then directed to the local VA medical facility for a more in-depth assessment.
6. Based on this assessment the team then agrees upon a treatment plan for presentation to the judge.
7. Once approved by the judge, the veteran begins the treatment programs called for in the plan.

Veterans in Veterans' Court will experience frequent reviews by the court to monitor their progress in treatment programs. There may be certain requirements that the veteran has to agree to and cannot violate to remain in the program. Veterans making positive progress may be recognized by the Court and offered words of encouragement.

Veterans not making satisfactory progress may have sanctions imposed or be reprimanded. If the veteran does not follow the rules or requirements they may be thrown out of the program and returned to the regular judicial process.

Upon successful completion of the Veteran Court program, participants may have their cases dismissed. Veterans on probation may have their probation successfully terminated.