The Marion Municipal Court's Veterans' Treatment Court, a docket certified by the Supreme Court of Ohio since 2011 under Judge Teresa L. Ballinger, puts Marion County veterans charged with misdemeanours, and some lower felonies, into court-supervised treatment for mental illness or addiction on probation after a plea.
Also called: veterans court, veterans treatment court, Marion Municipal Court, specialized docket, Teresa Ballinger, VJO, Sup.R. 36.20, Marion, Prospect, LaRue, Caledonia, Green Camp, Waldo, Morral, New Bloomington.
The Supreme Court of Ohio's list of certified specialized dockets includes the Marion Municipal Court's "Substance Use - Veterans Treatment" docket under Judge Teresa L. Ballinger. The court's Local Rule 501 (rules of February 24, 2026): "The Court established a veteran offender specialized docket known as the Marion County Veterans' Treatment Court Docket effective October 1, 2011, which is now governed under Superintendence Rule 36.20 for Specialized Dockets."
Who. A defendant must "have served in the U.S. armed forces; be a resident of Marion County; be charged with a misdemeanor of the fourth, third, second, and/or first degree; have a persistent mental illness and/or addiction which would benefit from court monitored treatment; and voluntarily enter" the docket. "In some instances, a criminal defendant convicted of a third, fourth or fifth degree felony may qualify." Sex crimes (other than public indecency), weapon crimes, crimes against children, minor misdemeanours and first and second degree felonies are excluded.
How. The VA's Veterans Justice Outreach specialist, defence counsel, prosecutor and probation officer assess the application, subject to the judge. The defendant must plead guilty or no contest and be sentenced; the sentence is suspended on probation that includes the treatment plan. The probation department lists Marion County Veterans Services as a partner.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Marion County Municipal Veterans’ Treatment Court
Gate
Rule
Justice-involved veteran
For a Marion County resident who served, charged with an eligible misdemeanour (or some lower felonies), with a mental illness or addiction. 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.