The Eighth Circuit Veterans Treatment Court Program (VTC) is a treatment-focused program designed to assist eligible veterans with pending criminal charges in Abbeville, Greenwood, Laurens and Newberry counties.
Veterans Treatment Court combines accountability with treatment and support to address issues that may contribute to a veteran’s involvement in the criminal justice system. Participants may receive assistance from fellow veteran mentors, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and veteran service organizations while working toward successful completion of the program.
Veterans Treatment Court Program
Eligibility
Veterans considered for the program must have pending misdemeanor and/or felony charges in the Eighth Judicial Circuit that are deemed appropriate for participation by the Solicitor’s Office.
Participants must also be eligible for veterans service benefits and have a treatable behavioral, mental health and/or substance-use condition.
Treatment & Support
Treatment is based on the individual needs of each participant and may include mental health or substance-use counseling, anger management, family or marriage counseling, and treatment related to PTSD or other combat-related trauma.
Participants may also receive support from veteran mentors, the Department of Veterans Affairs and other veteran service organizations.
Successful Completion
Participants must successfully complete their individualized treatment plan and all requirements of Veterans Court.
Successful completion of the program results in dismissal of the participating charges, and those charges may be eligible for expungement.
Program Requirements
Veterans Court requires a minimum commitment of 12 months. The length of participation is determined by each participant’s performance, compliance and sobriety.
Each participant follows an individualized treatment plan. Program requirements may include:
- Legal, mental health, alcohol and drug-use assessments to determine treatment needs
- Screening by the Department of Veterans Affairs to determine eligibility for services
- Veterans Court appearances as directed by the Program Director
- Attendance at AA, NA or other self-help meetings when required
- Routine drug testing when required
- Compliance with treatment directed by VA clinical staff
- Compliance with other rehabilitative services, including job training, employment or medical services
- Other requirements established in the participant’s individualized treatment plan
Accountability & Compliance
Veterans Court uses graduated sanctions when participants fail to comply with program requirements. Noncompliance may include drug or alcohol use, missed counseling or court appearances, failure to comply with treatment, or other violations of program requirements.
Depending on the circumstances, sanctions may include community service, additional counseling, increased drug testing, jail time or dismissal from the program. Participation in Veterans Court includes an acknowledgment that noncompliance may also result in partial or full revocation of bond.