Veterans Treatment Courts

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTCs) aim to address the underlying causes of veterans' criminal behavior by resolving cases through tailored treatment and support programs. These programs involve frequent interactions with judicial officers, peers, and support teams to help veterans rehabilitate.

• Purpose of Veterans Treatment Courts: VTCs focus on treating the root causes of criminal behavior in veterans, offering a program that includes judicial supervision and support from mentors and providers.  

• Eligibility Criteria: Veterans from all military branches, including reserves and National Guard, may be eligible if they plead guilty, have certain diagnoses like PTSD or TBI, and agree to a 15 to 18-month program, though eligibility varies by county.  

• Court Referral Process: Cases are typically moved to a VTC through a judge's court order, and veterans should consult their attorneys to determine eligibility rather than contacting VTCs directly.  

• California VTC Locations: Numerous counties in California have established VTCs, with detailed courthouse locations and contact persons provided for each county to assist veterans in accessing these courts.  

• Alternative Resources: In counties without VTCs, veterans can seek assistance from County Veteran Service Offices and may qualify for other protections and legal services, including notification of military status and petitions for dismissal upon program completion.  

• Veteran Legal Support Organizations: Several organizations provide legal resources and support specifically for justice-involved veterans, such as Justice for Vets and the National Veterans Legal Services Program.  

• General Veteran Services: The California Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of services, including healthcare, housing, counseling, crisis hotlines, and support tailored for women veterans and those with addiction issues.                

Veterans Treatment Courts in California

Important: This section is intended to assist you in determining whether your county has a VTC. California currently has VTCs in the counties listed below with more under consideration/development.

Other Resources for Justice-Involved Veterans

Important: This section is intended to assist you in finding a County Veteran Service Office (CVSO) where a VTC does not exist.

If your county does not have a VTC, but you are a veteran, you may wish to talk to your CVSO to see whether you are eligible for other services. Veterans may be eligible for certain rights or protections even in a non-VTC court, ask your attorney what protection may apply to you, potentially including:

1. Notification of Military Status Form: Form MIL-100. Let the court know if you were in the armed services or reserves. You may have certain rights or protections.
2. California Penal Code section 1170.9 details protections for veterans, including special considerations for veterans in court and Veterans Treatment Court eligibility requirements
3. Petition for Dismissal (Military Personnel) (Form CR-183) can be used to ask the court to dismiss your case if you successfully complete your Veterans Treatment Court requirements.

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has information and resources for Incarcerated Veterans. The organizations below have further resources dedicated to providing veterans with legal services:

• Justice for Vets
• American Bar Association
• California Department for Veterans
• National Veterans Legal Services Program
• National Association of Veterans Advocates

General Resources for Veterans

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) has information on veteran healthcare, housing, education, employment, and benefits. The links below connect veterans with support, services, and further information:

• Veterans Crisis Hotline
• Free Counseling
• Connect to Other Veterans
• Support for Women Veterans
• Benefits and Services Assistance
• Addiction Services