Sarasota County Veterans Treatment Court

The Twelfth Judicial Circuit runs veterans treatment courts in Sarasota and Manatee Counties under section 394.47891 of the Florida Statutes; see the Florida entry. In Sarasota, hearings are on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in Courtroom 3A of the Judge Lynn N. Silvertooth Judicial Center, 2002 Ringling Boulevard; the handbook says in one place weekly and in another the first Tuesday of the month "or as ordered by the court". The programme office, shared with the drug court, is at 1751 Mound Street, Suite 101B, Sarasota (941-861-8107). Who. Someone who "served or is currently serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces" and is willing to take part, charged with a non-violent felony; misdemeanors "will be reviewed on a case by case basis", and drug dealing is not accepted. The team gives final approval. The circuit sets no discharge test. The bar on violent felonies and drug dealing is the circuit's own; the statute leaves each case to the court's judgment of the interest of justice. The programme. Four phases, designed for one year but taking up to two, with treatment, random testing, recovery meetings and a mentor. Completion through pretrial intervention may bring reduced or dismissed charges; on probation, a withheld adjudication or shorter probation. Cost. "Each participant in Veteran's Treatment Court Program pays $15 per week to the Clerk of the Court", at 2000 Main Street, the historic courthouse, or may do public service in lieu of payment at $15 an hour (the Manatee court credits $10). A participant's first month on the Gold Team waives that month's fees.