Veterans' Court
What is Veterans' Court?
Who is Veterans Court for?
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Anger issues
- Alcohol abuse
- Drug Abuse
Who is eligible for Veterans Court?
Unfortunately, not every veteran is eligible for Veterans Court. Veterans that have cases in a courthouse without a Veterans Court will not be able to participate in the treatment program.
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
How can a veteran remain eligible for a Veterans' Court program?
Veterans' Court Process
What is the process for Arizona Veterans' Courts?
The prosecutor and the defense counsel evaluate each case and must agree that the case is appropriate for Veterans Court. The case is then presented to the Judge for final approval. The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Justice Outreach specialist then verifies the veterans eligibility for veteran’s benefits and conducts an initial assessment of the veteran’s treatment requirements. The veteran, if eligible for VA benefits, is then directed to the local VA medical facility for a more in-depth assessment. It is from this assessment the parties agree upon a treatment plan for presentation to the Judge. Upon approval of the plan by the Judge, the veteran begins the treatment programs called for in the plan.
Progress in the treatment program is closely monitored by the Court. Non-compliance with the treatment program can lead to sanctions which may include incarceration, community service, and reprimand by the Judge. In cases of continuous non-compliance, a veteran may be removed from Veterans Court. The favorable terms of any plea agreement may revoked and a sentence imposed.
What happens to veterans who complete their program successfully?
Veterans in Veterans Court can expect to be subjected to more frequent reviews by the court to monitor the veteran’s progress in their treatment programs.
Veterans making satisfactory progress will be recognized by the Court and offered words of encouragement. Veteran’s not making satisfactory may expect words of encouragement of an entirely different nature and sanctions may be imposed.
Successful completion of the Veterans Court program will be marked by “graduation” from the program.
