Popular Court For Veterans Gets Federal Funding Boost

CLEARWATER, FL -- U.S. Rep. Charlie Crist, a Democrat from St. Petersburg, has secured $25 million for the 2020 Veterans Treatment Court programs.

Clearwater is home to the highly regarded Veterans Treatment Court that functions in both Pinellas and Pasco counties.

This historic funding in the Commerce, Justice, Science appropriations bill falls under a larger Opioid Initiative passed by the committee that received $375 million to combat opioid abuse through funding of six other programs.

“Our service members answer the call of duty and risk their lives to protect our nation. Unfortunately, after military service, too many veterans experience mental health issues, substance abuse and homelessness,” said Crist. “Treatment courts offer veterans facing non-violent charges a second chance, keeping them out of jail and into the counseling, care and support they need to heal.”

The court was established with state funding provided in 2013. The program works with local judges, police, local VA officials, veteran organizations, prosecutors, public defenders and other community organizations who come together to ensure the best possible outcomes for veterans facing the legal system.

Crist remains committed to enhancing our veteran treatment court programs with the reintroduction of his bipartisan Veteran Treatment Court Coordination Act in the 116th Congress, which has more than 100 bipartisan cosponsors.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility is determined by the State Attorney’s Office after submission of an application to participate in Veterans Treatment Court.

A defendant is eligible for Veterans Treatment Court if:

1. The defendant has served or is serving in the United States Armed Forces, including National Guard and Reserves;
2. The charge(s) stem from physical injuries or mental issues that are the result of the defendant’s military service;
3. The charge(s) are misdemeanor(s) or third degree felonies;
4. The defendant has not previously participated in VTC, unless this criterion is specifically waived by the State Attorney’s Office; and
5. The defendant’s mental health/substance abuse assessment indicates that he/she is amenable to mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.

Successful completion of the VTC plan will result in the dismissal of charges against defendants entering the program through Pretrial Intervention (defendants facing a first-time, non-violent, third-degree felony or misdemeanor charge and admitted at the sole discretion of the State Attorney).

For defendants entering the Veterans Treatment Court as a condition of probation (post-plea VTC), successful completion may result in adjudication being withheld and/or a reduced length of probation.

All participants are required to make frequent court appearances. Participants will appear before the VTC judge every 30 to 45 days.

Veterans Treatment Court is a 12- to 24-month program.