What Is Veterans Treatment Court?,
A Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is a treatment-based problem solving court that serves justice-involved veterans as opposed to business as usual: having all veterans appear before random judges who may or may not have an understanding of their unique experiences and issues. Because the Veterans Treatment Court Judge, Judge Murphy, handles numerous veterans' cases and is supported by a strong, interdisciplinary team, Judge Murphy is in a much better position to exercise discretion and effectively respond than a Judge who only occasionally hears a case involving a veteran defendant. The Veterans Treatment Court Team better understands the issues that a veteran may be struggling with, such as substance addiction, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or military sexual trauma. In addition, the VTC Team is also more familiar with the Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Benefit Administration, State Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans service organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors and how they can all assist veteran defendants.
How Do I Apply For Admission Into Veterans Treatment Court?,
Admission into VTC is a legal process, so please consult with your Defense Attorney. Your Defense Attorney will work with the Prosecutors Office to determine eligibility. VTC has requirements that must be met including being a veteran, a Livingston County resident, and a nonviolent offender.
Once the Prosecutor verifies the above requirements are met, your Defense Attorney will pick up a Veterans Court packet from the courtroom. You will consult with your Defense Attorney regarding the requirements and enter a plea for VTC. Once the appropriate forms are filled out and returned to the Court, the VTC Team will look at your case to determine if you will be admitted into the Program.
What Should I Do While My Admission Is Considered?,
You will be provided the information to get into contact with the VTC Coordinator to schedule a Program Orientation so that you can get more information about VTC and can ask any questions you may have.
In addition, you can meet with the Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinator to see if you qualify for benefits through Veteran Affairs.
Who Are The Members Of The Veterans Treatment Court Team?,
Judge Shauna N. Murphy
Prosecutors Office Representative
Public Defenders Office Representative
MDOC Probation
District Court Probation
Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinator (VJO)
Community Treatment Provider
Livingston County Veterans Services
Sheriff’s Department
Mentor Coordinator
VTC Coordinator
Specialty Courts and Programs Administrator
Why Would I Want To Participate In Veterans Treatment Court?,
Through Veterans Treatment Court, veterans who served in our nations Armed Forces are able to participate in the treatment court process with fellow veterans, re-instilling the sense of camaraderie they felt while in the military.
Our VTC is fortunate to have a Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinator on our team who can link veterans with the programs, benefits, and services they have earned.
All of our participants have the support of our Mentor Program. A veteran mentor acts as a coach, guide, role model, advocate, and support system for each participant.
How Long Does The Program Last?,
The length of the Program is based on each participant’s progress in identified problem areas as described in measurable terms on their individualized treatment plan. This typically takes a minimum of 12 months.
Who Pays For Veterans Treatment Court?,
There will be fines and costs assessed to your case that must be paid in full before you can graduate from VTC. The cost for testing and treatment are paid for by our VTC grant and Veterans Services, if eligible.
Will Veterans Treatment Court Help With Housing & Transportation?,
Yes. VTC has a Coordinator who works with each participant to assist them in meeting their immediate needs such as housing and transportation. In addition, the Veteran Justice Outreach Coordinator can help with medical, therapeutic and other needs of the veteran.