Fifth Circuit Veterans Treatment Court (Richland and Kershaw Counties)

The Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office created its Veterans Treatment Court in November 2011, the first in South Carolina, for veterans with pending charges in Richland or Kershaw County. It works with the VA, volunteer veteran mentors and veterans' organisations such as the American Legion, the VFW and the DAV. Who is eligible. Veterans charged with non-violent misdemeanour or felony offences in Richland or Kershaw County, "who are eligible for veterans services benefits", with a diagnosis of a treatable behavioural, mental health or chemical dependency problem. The test is VA eligibility, screened by the VA, rather than a particular discharge. The Solicitor's Office decides whether to present an application, and the judge has the final say on admission. How it works. The veteran must admit guilt; the charges move to the Veterans Court, the transferring court takes the plea and issues a conditional discharge on completion, and "successful completion of the Veterans Treatment Court program will result in the dismissal of charges and eligibility for expungement". Everyone spends at least twelve months under the court's supervision, with court appearances three times a month, weekly self-help meetings and random drug tests, treatment, and contact with an assigned mentor. Sanctions escalate up to jail or dismissal from the programme. Contact. Veterans Treatment Court, Fifth Judicial Circuit Solicitor's Office, 1701 Main Street, West Wing, P.O. Box 192, Columbia 29202; 803-576-1893.