Collin County Veterans Treatment Courts

Collin County runs two veterans treatment courts under Government Code chapter 124; see the Texas entry. Both are supported by grants from the Texas Veterans Commission's Fund for Veterans' Assistance. Misdemeanor court. The Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court sits in County Court at Law No. 6, 2100 Bloomdale Road, McKinney (972-547-1850), under Judge Ben Bender. It takes current and former members of the armed forces, Reserves, National Guard and Texas State Guard facing misdemeanor charges or supervision violations who show a connection between service and the offense or their behavioural health concerns. It runs 12 to 24 months with a case manager, peer mentors and monthly court reviews, and completion can bring dismissal, reduced supervision or early termination of probation. It excludes a dishonorable discharge, any sexual offense or offense against a child, murder, manslaughter and intoxication manslaughter, and anyone the team judges too great a risk. Anyone can refer, including the veteran or family; apply on the North Texas Veterans Court Program application. Felony court. The North Texas Regional Veteran Treatment Court sits in the 296th District Court under Judge John Roach Jr. It is a 12 to 24 month diversion programme for a veteran or current member, Reserves, National Guard and State Guard included, whose service-related issues materially affected the conduct in the case. The District Attorney reviews every application first and the treatment team decides after an interview; the participant then pleads into the court, the case is transferred there, and on completion the case is dismissed "if allowed by law". The only stated disqualifier is a dishonorable discharge, although the court's mission statement speaks of injuries suffered "as a result of honorable services". Narrower than the statute. Chapter 124 sets no discharge test, 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. Neither court mentions that route.