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610-436-1410Veterans Court is one of several specialty courts in the state justice system. This specialized program addresses the underlying issues that affect justice-involved veterans. With nearly 800,000 veterans living in Pennsylvania, the courts wanted to address this population’s unique legal, financial, medical, and social needs.
Keep reading to learn more about Veterans Court in Pennsylvania, eligibility, and what to expect if accepted into the program.
Many veterans commit crimes because of substance abuse, addiction, mental illness, and trauma. Veterans Court identifies the reasons behind the criminal act focusing on treatment, rehabilitation, and education.
Veterans Court combines the elements of rehabilitation and responsibility with the camaraderie and structure that many veterans crave from their active-duty experience. Participants work with other veterans, who encourage and support their progress through the program.
Veterans Treatment Court is a voluntary alternative to traditional criminal penalties. The program includes mandatory court appearances, treatment sessions, and scheduled and random drug testing. It is a highly structured program that begins with identifying veterans from the moment they enter the criminal justice system.
Participants regularly appear before a judge. They are responsible for completing all tasks, courses, and treatment as determined by a team of mentors, counselors, and probation officers.
Veterans Court is a carefully supervised program that includes:
With support from the Veterans Administration and other agencies, participants can achieve:
Interested applicants must meet eligibility requirements. The prosecution notifies the Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJOP). If the defendant is not a qualified candidate, they return to traditional court.
Participants have regular reviews and hearings with the Veterans Court Judge, mentors, and counselors at 30 to 90-day intervals.
Veterans attend hearings and reviews at 30–90-day intervals. They also must complete any additional program requirements, such as vocational training.
Participants appear in Veterans Court and check in with probation officers every 90 days. Although many complete the program in 12 months, others may take two years.
Participants receive a certificate of completion and their criminal record expunged. Veterans Court recorded a 76% successful graduation rate in 2020.
Veterans Court is available to any veteran of America’s Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard).
Eligibility requirements include:
Veterans charged with homicide or sex crimes are ineligible for Veterans Court.
Fifty-four Pennsylvania counties currently have Veterans Courts, including Chester County. Qualified veterans may also participate in Drug, DUI, or Mental Health Courts as an alternative to incarceration.
The first Veterans Court opened in Lackawanna County in November 2009.
We honor the bravery and service of America’s veterans. If you or a loved one is former military and facing criminal charges, the Skinner Law Firm wants to help. You could avoid imprisonment and get the assistance you need to turn your life around.
For a free consultation, call 610-436-1410 or reach out online.