Missouri Veterans Treatment Courts

Mo. Rev. Stat. 478.001.7 declares it Missouri's policy "to encourage and provide an alternative method for the disposal of cases for military veterans and current military personnel with substance use disorders, mental health disorders, or co-occurring disorders", and lets any circuit court, or a combination of circuits by agreement of their presiding judges, establish a veterans treatment court. Who the statute reaches. Defendants charged with a criminal offence "who have served or are currently serving the United States Armed Forces, including members of the Reserves or National Guard, with preference given to individuals who have combat service." Combat service is shown by documentation of service in a combat theatre, combat service medals, or imminent danger or hostile fire pay or tax benefits. The statute sets no discharge test and no limit to felonies or misdemeanours. How it works. The court combines judicial supervision, drug or alcohol testing, and substance use and mental health treatment. Except for good cause, referrals for treatment go through Department of Defense health care, VA, or a community programme certified by the Department of Mental Health. On successful completion the charges, petition or penalty may be dismissed, reduced or modified (478.001.2). The statute is permissive and leaves eligibility to each court. Local rules commonly add a discharge test, a residence requirement, a charge-type limit and a prosecutor's consent; see the county entries.