A Superior Court collaborative court that diverts veterans charged with felonies, before or after conviction, into a VA-supervised treatment programme of three to five years, after which the case can be dismissed.
Also called: veterans court, veterans treatment court, felony, collaborative court, Alternate Public Defender, 1170.9, diversion.
The Superior Court in Los Angeles County runs a Veterans Court among its community collaborative courts, with the District Attorney, the Public Defender, the Alternate Public Defender, the Probation Department, the county's mental health and health services departments and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.
According to the Alternate Public Defender, the court diverts veterans charged with felonies, both before trial and after conviction, who suffer from conditions from their service such as sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse or mental health problems. A veteran must first pass a suitability evaluation by VA. Once accepted, the judge places the veteran under VA supervision, and VA builds an individual programme of residential and outpatient treatment, reported on in court. The probationary period runs three to five years. A veteran who completes treatment can ask the court to dismiss the case.
The legal routes are the State's military diversion and veterans sentencing statutes, Penal Code sections 1001.80 and 1170.9; see the California entry. Ask the defense lawyer to request a referral.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Los Angeles County Veterans Court
Gate
Rule
Veteran charged with a felony
The court takes veterans with a felony case and a service-related condition who pass a VA suitability evaluation. A disability rating is not the test.
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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.