Jefferson County Veterans Treatment Court

Jefferson County Veterans Treatment Court was established in 2013 to address the needs of returning service members charged with crimes arising from substance abuse and mental health issues.  By addressing these core problems, it is expected that veterans will return to their families and communities as productive members of society with substantially less risk of reoffending.

Applicants to Veterans Court must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces (Active, Reserve or National Guard).  Direct exposure to combat is not a prerequisite for acceptance.  Applications are evaluated by the District Attorney’s Office on a case-by-case basis.  Once admitted, veterans have access to various treatment options provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other organizations.  Additionally, a mentor is assigned to each veteran to assist them on their path to recovery.

Veterans who successfully graduate from Veterans Court avoid lengthy prison sentences, and in many instances receive a reduction in charge or have their case dismissed through pretrial diversion.