Baldwin County Veterans Court

The 28th Judicial Circuit, which is Baldwin County's, runs the Baldwin County Veterans Court with the District Attorney, community corrections, VA's Veterans Justice Outreach officer, the Vet Center and veteran mentors. Circuit Judge Michelle Thomason presides (251-972-8573); the coordinator is at extension 3. The handbook and application are on the circuit's site; bring the completed application and the DD-214 to court. Who. Anyone "currently serving or who have previously served in the Armed Forces of the United States", including the Guard and Reserve, "in some capacity", with criminal charges pending that "likely relate to substance abuse or mental health issues". The court publishes no discharge test. The District Attorney and the team review the criminal history; if approved, the applicant has a substance use and mental health evaluation and, if it fits, enters a plea. How it works. Three phases over 18 to 24 months: court every other Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. in phases I and II and every three to four weeks in phase III, daily colour-code calls for random drug testing through Baldwin Court Services (104 Hand Avenue, Bay Minette, and 21985 Hibbing Road, Robertsdale), treatment, four support meetings a week in phase I, work or school after phase I, and community service. Graduation needs six months of clean tests and full payment; termination brings the original plea agreement's sentence. What it costs. The programme is a pretrial diversion of the District Attorney's office: an application fee to the District Attorney, all court costs during the first year, drug testing fees including confirmation of positives, any treatment provider's fees, and a small sum for appointed counsel. Fees can be reduced or waived on a hardship affidavit, and inability to pay does not by itself end participation, but everything owed must be paid to graduate.