St. Louis County Veterans Court (21st Judicial Circuit)

The 21st Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County) runs a veterans treatment court under Mo. Rev. Stat. 478.001.7; see the Missouri entry. Who is eligible, as the court lists it. A person who served in the U.S. military, with a "non-disciplinary discharge", aged 18 or over, resident in St. Louis County (the team may waive this), charged with a non-violent felony, with a treatable behavioural, mental health or substance abuse problem substantially related to the offence, with the prosecuting attorney's consent, and willing to take part. The judge decides admission on the team's recommendations. Where that is narrower than the statute. Section 478.001.7 reaches anyone who has served or is "currently serving", Guard and Reserve included, sets no discharge test and does not limit the court to felonies. The County court's discharge condition, its felony-only and non-violent limits, its residence rule and the prosecutor's veto are all its own. The statute lets each court set these, so they bind, but a misdemeanour defendant or a veteran with a disciplinary discharge should know the statute would allow a court to take them. How it works. Entry is after a plea or finding and before sentence. The programme lasts 15 to 18 months with regular status hearings, intensive probation, testing, treatment, employment and housing help, and a volunteer veteran mentor. On graduation, depending on the sentencing option, cases are dismissed or reduced, or probation becomes administrative. Partners include VA, the County Veterans Program, the Prosecuting Attorney, Missouri Probation and Parole and the County Police. Referral: a referral form and acceptance contract go to the prosecuting attorney and the Veterans Court Administrator. The court is at 105 South Central Avenue, Clayton; 314-615-8029.