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Veterans' Court Information

Legal Info Podcast

Chief Justice Scott Bales and Judge Gregg Maxon
Transcript

Veterans Court

What is Veterans Court?

Veterans Court is a collaborative process that includes the prosecutor, defense counsel, judge, the Department of Veteran Affairs and other community based support organizations.  The goal of Veterans Court is to rehabilitate and restore veterans as active, contributing members of their community.

Who can go to Veterans Court?

The Veterans Court program focuses on veterans who are currently in, or entering, the criminal justice system.  Each Veterans Court establishes its own eligibility rules but most take all types of discharges. Typically, a veteran must request to be placed in the Veterans Court program and the prosecutor, defense counsel and the judge must all agree that Veterans Court is the appropriate forum for the management of the case.

What are the steps of Veterans Court?

There are four primary steps of Veterans Court:

  1. Eligible veterans ask to be admitted to the program and are approved by members of the court.
  2. The veteran is assessed and an individualized treatment plan is created, with the help of the Department of Veteran Affairs and other service organizations, which is agreed to by the court.
  3. Progress in the treatment program is closely monitored by the court.  Upon successful completion of the Veterans Court program veterans may have their cases dismissed or sentence reduced.
  4. Successful completion of the Veterans Court program will be marked by a graduation from the program.

What types of issues are addressed in Veterans Court?

There are many issues that are treated in Veterans Court but the most common are:

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Anger issues
  • Domestic violence
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Drug abuse

How long does it take to complete the treatment program?

Programs are individually tailored to the needs of the veterans but most plans take at least 6 months to complete. A program will last the length of the time needed to address the underlying issues of the problem. Programs have lasted over a year.

What happens if I do not complete the treatment program?

Non-compliance with the treatment program can lead to sanctions which may include incarceration, community service, and reprimand by the judge.  In cases of continuous non-compliance, a veteran may be removed from Veterans Court.

Veterans Court Locations

There are 12 Veterans Court locations throughout the state of Arizona.  Find a location near you.

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