Veteran’s Treatment Court

Veteran’s Treatment Court (VTC) began in November of 2013 to assist veterans who are involved in the criminal justice system in addressing the issues that led to their involvement with the Court. In order to qualify for participation in this specialized docket, the participant must be an honorably discharged veteran. He or she may or may not have been in combat, and while some VTC offenders have been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, it is not a requirement to be eligible for the program. Most participants have a severe drug and/or alcohol addiction, or they are using multiple kinds of illegal drugs and have committed a felony.

VTC participants may be required to come to the courthouse to meet with their probation officers anywhere from one to five times a week, depending on the severity of their addiction and their offense, and whether or not they are regularly employed, among other factors. The average stay of a veteran in VTC is 12 to 18 months.

VTC works closely with the Veterans Administration to provide substance abuse treatment and other services. Those who do not qualify for such services may be treated at an outside treatment agency.

Participation Criteria:

Participants must be placed on Community Control or Intervention in Lieu of Conviction in the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court. In addition, participants must be veterans who have received an Honorable or General (Under Honorable Conditions) discharge from the United States Military Services. Drug or alcohol use, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or other physical/mental conditions must be a significant factor in the commission of their offense.

Graduation Criteria:

To graduate from Veteran’s Treatment Court, participants must maintain sobriety from drugs and alcohol for six consecutive months, have no new felony offenses, be employed or enrolled in school, have fulfilled their financial obligation, and have completed special conditions as ordered by the Court.

Schedule:

Veteran’s Treatment Court is held on Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the Courthouse located at 41 N. Perry Street.