Monterey County's Veterans Treatment Court gives convicted veterans, felony or misdemeanour, whose offence is linked to a disorder from military service an alternative sentence of 12 to 18 months of formal probation and VA treatment, with a mentor. Combat-related disorders get priority.
Also called: veterans court, veterans treatment court, VTC, District Attorney, 1170.9, alternative sentencing, probation, mentor, Salinas.
The District Attorney describes the Veterans Treatment Court as a programme for convicted felons and misdemeanants who suffer from qualifying disorders due to military service, with priority to those resulting from combat, to receive alternative sentencing, monitored rehabilitation and mental health treatment in place of traditional sentencing under Penal Code section 1170.9; see the California entry. Section 1170.9 requires a link between the problem that brought the veteran into the justice system and the service.
How it works. Participants are on formal probation, appear in court regularly, and commit to 12 to 18 months of a treatment programme designed and provided by VA: inpatient treatment, outpatient group counselling, drug and alcohol testing, mental health treatment and support meetings. Each has a mentor, and aftercare continues after graduation.
What the page does not say. It is a post-conviction court, so it does not describe pre-plea military diversion under Penal Code section 1001.80, which a defendant can still ask for; it names no discharge test; and its reliance on VA treatment means a veteran who is not VA eligible should ask defence counsel how treatment would be provided.
Thresholds
Thresholds for Monterey County Veterans Treatment Court
Gate
Rule
Convicted veteran with a service-related disorder
A felony or misdemeanour conviction linked to a disorder from military service. No rating is needed.
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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.