What is a Veterans Treatment Program?
Veterans Courts are programs specifically designed for those service members with a service related injury or disorder that have been charged with a crime; many of whom are also struggling with substance use and/or drug use. The focus is placed on counseling and treatment of underlying conditions rather than on punishment. The ultimate goal of the court is to provide a pathway within the criminal justice system to get our combat veterans' new lives back on track.
Mission Statement
A specialized treatment court program for justice involved veterans which combines intensive judicial supervision and treatment programs that addresses veterans service-related experiences and enhances public safety by returning law-abiding and productive citizens to the community.
It Takes the Strength and Courage of a Warrior to Ask for Help! - Denton County Veterans Treatment Court Motto
Criteria for admittance:
- Active duty, Reserves, National Guard or separated from military service (Honorable, General Under Honorable conditions)
- Suffer from an injury, disorder, or trauma occurring during or resulting from military service
- Criminal case/charge pending in Denton County
- Must submit to veterans court screening
- District Attorney's office has final approval
What happens in Veterans Treatment?
- The veteran will enter a plea of guilty to the offense and is ordered into the treatment court
- Initially, the veteran will report to probation/mentor at least once a week
- Must comply with monitoring/testing/counseling requirements
- The veterans progress is reviewed weekly by the treatment team
- Once the program is completed the charge will be available for expunction
Treatment Phases See the basic outline of a typical program at https://www.dentoncounty.gov/1431/Treatment-Phases
To apply, the the veteran, or their attorney, should:
- The veteran, or their attorney, should contact the Program Manager, Tami Russell, at 940-349-2189
- Complete the form found at: https://www.dentoncounty.gov/FormCenter/Veterans-Treatment-Court-Program-10/Interest-in-Veterans-Court-126
- Complete the Veterans Treatment Court Program Application Booklet
Documents:
