Atlantic Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court

Georgia's accountability courts, including veterans treatment courts, rest on Code section 15-1-17; see the Georgia entry. "The Atlantic Judicial Circuit Veterans Treatment Court began in July 2016, under the judicial supervision of Honorable Robert L. Russell, III, Senior Judge of Superior Court of the Atlantic Judicial Circuit." Its mission: "to link veterans with trauma related disorders and/or substance abuse disorders to community-based treatment and services and reduce their involvement in the criminal justice system." The circuit's counties. The Council of Accountability Court Judges' directory, read 2026-10-24, lists the court under Judge Charles B. Dixon, coordinator Patricia Waye, for Bryan, Evans, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Tattnall counties, begun July 2016; a veteran charged in any of them can be referred. Who it takes. Individuals charged with felonies, or misdemeanours that carry 24 months' probation; "Honorable and Dishonorable discharged veterans from all branches of the military"; veterans with combat-related PTSD, TBI, mental health or substance problems that led to the offence; and "Veterans who honestly want help, and are willing to submit to a lifestyle of total sobriety." Excluded: violent offences as federal law defines them, felony firearm charges, sex offenders, gang affiliation, unlawful immigration status, pending felonies elsewhere, and, case by case, some prior felonies, a disability that would prevent participation, or "Being in active reserves of any branch." How it works. Referral forms come from any team member or the page. The team runs a background and VA check, the District Attorney must approve the charges, and the treatment team assesses before admission. The track is 24 months in four phases of up to six months, with random drug tests at least twice a week. Sanctions run from essays and more frequent court dates to community service and short jail stays. "The total fees are $2,000", paid over the 24 months. Money. On May 5, 2026 Liberty County's Board of Commissioners gave the court $20,000 of opioid settlement funds. Contact. Patricia Waye, Program Coordinator, 912-368-5897 ext. 1651; Accountability Courts, P.O. Box 2106, Hinesville, GA 31310; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.