Lancaster County Veterans Court

Lancaster County's Veterans Court is a treatment court of the Court of Common Pleas, built on the drug court model. Who it takes. A current member in good standing of any branch, Guard and Reserves included, or a former member who was not dishonorably discharged; a Lancaster County resident, 18 or older; eligible for VA care or able to show other insurance; and meeting a clinical criterion: post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, drug or alcohol addiction, or another diagnosis such as major depression, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or a psychological or substance use problem needing treatment. The DD-214 must be produced within 30 days of the application. Any felony or misdemeanour is considered except homicide and registrable sex offences; unresolved charges in another county or state, or a condition that prevents taking part, are bars, and the prior record is weighed. Referrals come after the case reaches the Court of Common Pleas, for probation or parole violations, or as a condition of Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition. The District Attorney consults the arresting officer and victims. Three tracks. The court is post-plea, pre-sentence. On the diversion track sentencing is deferred and, after completion and payment of fines, costs and restitution, charges may be reduced or dismissed, or expunged where the District Attorney agreed, with the court's approval. On the modified track the participant pleads to at least two offences and the more serious is dismissed on completion. On the non-diversion track completion can reduce or end supervision, but the record cannot be expunged. How it runs. Four phases, starting with weekly appearances before the judge, with probation, treatment providers, VA's Veterans Justice Outreach worker and an assigned volunteer veteran mentor. Sanctions run from essays to jail and termination. The eligibility and disqualification sheets the court posts are dated October 2016.