Veterans Treatment Courts

Veterans treatment courts target the root causes of veterans' criminal behavior. The goal of these courts is to resolve criminal cases through treatment and support. In these courts, veterans take part in a program tailored to address their needs. As part of the program, participants meet frequently with a judicial officer, other veterans, treatment providers, mentors, and support teams.

Disclaimer:This webpage is for informational purposes only. It does not give legal advice, discuss individual cases, or provide referrals to specific lawyers and VTC programs.

Eligibility Requirements

Are You Eligible for Veterans Treatment Court?

Important:Having a case moved to a VTC must usually be done through a court order from the judge in the case, and not by contacting the VTC directly. If you are a veteran and have a criminal case, please consult with your attorney to find out whether you can participate in a VTC.

VTCs accept all military branches – including reserves and the National Guard. Eligibility requirements vary by county, but most VTCs accept certain types of felony or misdemeanor cases and require participants to:

• Have served in the military,
• Plead guilty in a criminal case,
• Be experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), Military Sexual Trauma (MST), substance or other diagnosed disorders, and
• Agree to participate in a 15 - 18-month program.

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