Mason County Veterans Court

Washington lets counties run veterans treatment courts under RCW 2.30; see the Washington entry. Mason County's is one of four therapeutic courts (with drug, family recovery and mental health courts). Its mission: "to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism of criminal defendants who are Veterans by connecting them with VA benefits, treatment services and supports, and to find appropriate dispositions to their criminal charges". Who. Under the Participant Handbook: a veteran or active-duty service member (who must be available for at least twelve months and disclose any PCS or deployment orders); an open criminal case in Mason County that the Prosecutor accepts; a charge that is not a violent offence under RCW 9.94A.030, with no charge or prior conviction excluded by RCW 2.28.180; a substance use disorder or mental health diagnosis under the DSM-5-TR; competence under chapter 10.77 RCW; and suitability for treatment and intense supervision. How it works. "Veterans Court program is a post-plea, court-supervised, comprehensive treatment program": the defendant enters a guilty plea; a District Court case transfers to Superior Court; the team evaluates the referral, and the Superior Court decides. Three phases run at least three, five and four months, twelve to eighteen months in all (longer for good cause), with advancement after 14 and 30 days without violations. In Phase III court reviews and case manager visits are every three weeks. Contact. The Therapeutic Courts application is on the county's page. Program Manager Amy Howerton, 360-427-9670 ext. 296 (cell 360-968-0443); caseworker Susan Fraisure, ext. 295; 414 N. 5th Street, Building 6, Shelton.