A veterans treatment court in the 478th District Court since 2015, open to veterans and serving members of the active, reserve and Guard components who live in Bell County. Its application bars a dishonorable discharge, which Government Code chapter 124 does not.
Also called: veterans court, veterans treatment court, VTC, 478th District Court, specialty courts, Moral Reconation Therapy, Government Code 124, Belton.
Bell County has run a Veterans Treatment Court under Government Code chapter 124 since March 2015; see the Texas entry. Judge Wade Faulkner of the 478th District Court presides, the specialty courts' coordinator at County Court at Law No. 3, 1201 Huey Road, Belton, takes applications (254-933-5389), and the court is supported by a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veterans' Assistance. Active-duty members, reservists and Guard members are encouraged to apply.
What it asks. At least 12 months in the programme before graduation; substance use or mental health treatment throughout, outpatient or residential; court at least twice a month; frequent random drug and alcohol testing; and Moral Reconation Therapy groups at the Bell County Justice Complex on Thursdays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. On completion, the county says, a defendant "may receive favorable resolutions" on the case, as the prosecution agrees.
Who it turns away. The application (June 2025) lists as exclusions: no significant connection between the offense and military service or resulting trauma; any past or current sex offense; aggravated cases involving weapons; past or current manufacture or delivery charges and more than one prior DWI (both reviewed case by case); a substantial history of violence; not living in Bell County; pervasive mental illness that prevents compliance; and a dishonorable discharge. Assaultive offenses are considered case by case.
Narrower than the statute. Chapter 124 sets no discharge test and no residence rule, and section 124.002(a)(2) admits a veteran whose participation is likely to achieve public safety through rehabilitation even without a service-related condition. A veteran excluded on those grounds, or living in a neighbouring county, should ask the defence lawyer about section 124.002(a)(2) and about courtesy placement under section 124.006.
Apply through the defence lawyer with the DD-214 (member 4 copy), or an ERB or ORB for a serving member, and the VA release and screening forms in the packet.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Bell County Veterans Treatment Court
Gate
Rule
Bell County resident; any discharge but dishonorable
A veteran or serving member who lives in Bell County, whose offense is linked to military service or its trauma, with any discharge except dishonorable. No rating is needed.
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Disclaimer
VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.