Santa Cruz County Superior Court Veterans Court

California's veterans treatment courts rest on Penal Code section 1170.9 and military diversion on section 1001.80; see the California entry. The Santa Cruz County Superior Court's Veterans Court "offers an alternative sentencing option for veterans with service-related mental health and substance use issues, operating under CA Penal Codes § 1170.9 and § 1001.80." Who. Under the Court's brochure (updated July 23, 2025), willing participants must have "Served in the U.S. Military, regardless of length of service, combat experience or characterization of discharge"; struggle with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, substance use or other mental health symptoms "directly related to military service"; and agree to all conditions, treatment included. How it works. A personalised treatment plan with the VA's Veterans Justice Outreach representative or the Collaborative Courts, an assigned peer mentor, and regular court reviews. Rewards for doing well can include bus passes, programme funding, less frequent court appearances, less restrictive treatment and converting fines and fees to service hours; sanctions follow when a participant gets off track. The team: the veteran, peer support, the judge, District Attorney, Public Defender, Probation, VJO, the Collaborative Courts programme and treatment providers. When and how. The third Thursday of every month at 10:30 a.m. in Department 7, presiding Judge Leila Sayar. Complete the Collaborative Courts Referral Packet with counsel and send it to [email protected]; Collaborative Courts, 701 Ocean Street, Room C-112, Santa Cruz; 831-420-2352.