The Veterans Court Pilot Program

The Veterans Court is an alternative sentencing court for veterans charged with felonies or felony probation violations. The program is a multi-agency collaborative effort of the Court, Public Defender, Alternate Public Defender, District Attorney, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Public Counsel. This minimum 18-month prison alternative program provides individually tailored reintegration, case management and treatment plans that promote sobriety, recovery, stability, social responsibility, family unity, self-reliance, and reduced recidivism. The Veterans Court is based on the Drug Court model, which combines intensive supervision, mandatory drug testing, positive reinforcement, appropriate sanctions and court-supervised treatment to address veteran issues. The Veterans Court accepts veterans who have served in the U.S. military, are entitled to benefits through the VA, and suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, sexual trauma and mental health issues related to their military service. Referrals to Veterans Court are made countywide by the participating agencies and privately retained defense counsel.

Prior to admission, the candidate is carefully screened for eligibility and suitability by the Veterans Court team and the treatment provider identified by the VA. Treatment is selected by the VA and approved by the Veterans Court judge. VA benefits cover all expenses of the selected program.

Once accepted into the Veterans Court program, the veteran is placed on probation for three to five years. The Veterans Court judge then orders the veteran to participate in the treatment program and comply with any other terms and conditions of probation which the Court imposes. The VA closely supervises the veteran and presents regular progress reports to the Veterans Court. Court appearances to monitor the Veteran’s progress are scheduled by the judge as appropriate to meet each individual veteran’s needs and ensure compliance with the goals of the program. Veterans who successfully complete the program can petition the court for early termination of probation and dismissal.