Oklahoma County Veterans Treatment Court

Oklahoma has no veterans treatment court statute; the district court in Oklahoma County runs its Veterans Court as one of the County's treatment courts, alongside drug, DUI, mental health (DREAMS), ReMerge, misdemeanour diversion and a separate Veterans Diversion programme. What it offers. Treatment, accountability, mentoring and support for veterans facing trauma, mental health, substance use and transition problems, and connection to VA benefits. The treatment courts say completion may bring dismissal of charges, eligibility for immediate expungement, housing and employment case management, transportation vouchers and a possible reduction of court costs. Who can get in. The treatment courts' rules apply to every programme: the application must come from the defendant's lawyer; the defendant must be assessed high risk and high need on a jail or offender screening "where prison is the offer from the State", must apply before the preliminary hearing, and must have a current Oklahoma County case. Drug trafficking charges, active gang members, registered sex offenders and anyone with a felony domestic violence charge in the last ten years are excluded. The District Attorney reviews every application; one appeal is allowed. An accepted defendant attends an orientation and must plead into the programme within 60 days. Out-of-state transfers are refused; another Oklahoma county's case may transfer only if the defendant lives or works in Oklahoma County and that county's prosecutor gives up full jurisdiction. How to start. The offender screening is done at the Diversion Hub, 1200 Linwood Blvd, Oklahoma City (405-594-8843), Monday to Thursday. Applications: [email protected]; Director of Diversion Programs, 405-713-1586.