The Common Pleas Court's Veterans Treatment Court takes a veteran on felony probation regardless of discharge type, for 12 to 18 months. Cleveland Municipal Court's Veterans Treatment Docket takes active-duty members, veterans, Guard and reserve members regardless of active-duty time.
Also called: veterans court, veterans treatment court, VTC, Common Pleas, Cleveland Municipal Court, specialized docket, Local Rule 30.3.
Common Pleas Court. The Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court created its Veterans Treatment Court in 2014 and dedicated it in May 2015; Judge Andrew Santoli presides. A judge may transfer the case of a veteran charged with any felony that results in probation (community control), or released from prison onto probation, under Local Rule 30.3. The programme lasts 12 to 18 months. Veterans are eligible "regardless of the type of discharge", and those who do not qualify for VA care get comparable community services. Veterans at high risk of reoffending and with high need are admitted first. Coordinator: Gary Kopchak, 216-443-8484.
Cleveland Municipal Court. The Veterans Treatment Docket, certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio on April 11, 2014 and presided over by Judge Jeffrey D. Johnson since January 2026, takes active-duty members, veterans, and Guard and reserve members regardless of active-duty time, who have mental health or substance use needs and will take part in treatment and mentoring. A VA benefits officer, a county Veterans Service Commission representative and a VA peer support specialist sit in court. Ask the judge, lawyer or public defender for a referral; coordinator Erika Cleggett, 216-664-6245.
The county Veterans Service Commission supports both courts with benefits help, and from September 23, 2026 Revised Code 5901.03 expressly lets it fund veterans treatment court outreach.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Cuyahoga County Veterans Treatment Courts
Gate
Rule
Any discharge
Both courts take veterans regardless of discharge type; the municipal docket also takes Guard and reserve members with no active-duty minimum. 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.