With each day in their military uniforms, brave men and women pledge their unwavering commitment to protect our freedoms. However, upon returning home, some find themselves caught in a web of legal troubles that they could never have fathomed while on duty.
Enter Veterans Treatment Court (VTC), a specialized system designed to address the unique needs and challenges faced by veterans who have found themselves entangled in the criminal justice system. This distinct approach not only aims to provide these honorable individuals with a fair trial but also offers them an opportunity for rehabilitation and support.
What is the Veterans Treatment Court Program?
Veterans Treatment Court provides a unique approach to addressing the legal needs of military service members who have run into trouble with the law. This specialized court is designed to divert veterans from traditional criminal justice proceedings and instead offers them an alternative path toward rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
The VTC process begins with a thorough assessment of the individual’s background, examining their:
- Military service
- Combat experience
- Any relevant mental health or substance abuse issues
If deemed eligible for participation, the veteran may be required to enter into a treatment program tailored to their specific needs. This can include counseling, therapy sessions, support groups, or other interventions aimed at addressing underlying issues that contributed to their involvement in the criminal justice system.
Read More > Veterans Treatment Court Policy Procedures
Goals of the VTC
The overarching goals of the Veterans Court Treatment program include:
- Improved access to VA benefits & services
- Stabilization of mental health and increased compliance with treatment
- Facilitates sobriety and wellness
- Helps veterans achieve stable housing
- Improves family relationships and social connections
- Increases employment or education opportunities
- Reduces criminal recidivism
Are You Eligible for VTC?
To be eligible for Veterans Treatment Court, individuals must:
- Be a veteran as defined in section Florida Statute 1.01
- Must have a service-related mental illness, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, substance use disorder, or other psychological problem
- Have an honorable or general discharge from the military
- Complete an application with their attorney
How Does the Program Work?
To be deemed eligible for VTC, Veterans must meet the requirements including:
- Regular bi-weekly court appearances
- Mandatory attendance at treatment sessions
- Frequent and random testing for alcohol or drug use
This structured environment has been shown to have a greater effect given military member’s past experiences in the Armed Forces. Without a structure in place, veterans may re-offend and remain part of the criminal justice system.
By recognizing that many factors contribute to veterans’ involvement in criminal behavior – such as combat trauma or substance abuse stemming from military service – VTC seeks rehabilitation and successful reintegration into civilian life.
The program ranges from a minimum of nine to eighteen months, depending on the progression through the five phases of the program.
Phases of Treatment
There are five phases included in the program including:
Phase 1: Stabilization, Assessment, and Engagement
Phase 2: Individualized Treatment and Participation
Phase 3: Treatment Compliance and Social Habilitation
Phase 4: Personal Maintenance and Relapse Prevention
Phase 5: Consistent Compliance and Transition to Graduation
Throughout their time in VTC, participants are closely monitored by a dedicated team consisting of judges, attorneys, probation officers, social workers, and other professionals experienced in working with veterans. Regularly scheduled court hearings allow for progress updates and adjustments to treatment plans as necessary.
Successful completion of the program can result in reduced charges, dismissal of charges altogether, or expungement of records – providing veterans with a fresh start after fulfilling their obligations to the court.
Our Case Results:
Contact Stechschulte Nell to Apply for Veterans Court
If you or someone you know is a veteran facing legal challenges, applying for Veterans Court can provide the necessary support and resources to navigate the process effectively. Our attorneys at Stechschulte Nell are committed to assisting veterans in accessing this specialized court program.
We understand the unique needs and circumstances that veterans may face, and we are dedicated to helping them receive the care and assistance they deserve.
Contact Stechschulte Nell Law today at (813) 280-1244 to take the first step toward a brighter future.
