Veterans Court

  
     

Thurston County Veterans Court is modeled after Thurston County’s Mental Health Court. The inaugural hearing was held on July 22, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. Court hearings are every Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. and are open to the public.

Eligibility

Veterans Court is intended to serve veterans involved in the criminal justice system who meet specific criteria. Among the factors considered for entry in Veterans Court are:

  • Mental health diagnosis (required)
  • Low to medium risk assessment score (LSI-R:SV 1 - 5)
  • Nexus between diagnosis and charge
  • Motivation to make lifestyle changes
  • Eligibility for VA Healthcare
  • Victim advocacy – especially in DV cases

Referral Process

Referrals are made to veterans court, through the court process or informally. Once the referral is made:

  • Defense and Prosecution are Notified
  • Client to contact Veterans Court Program Manager to schedule and assessment
  • The case will be staffed by a multi-disciplinary team for entry into Veterans Court, including the Veterans Court Judge, Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys, Veterans Court Coordinator, Washington Department of Veteran Affairs Representative, Domestic Violence Victim Advocate, Work Source Veterans Employment Specialist, and appropriate Treatment Providers.
  • Defendant is placed on Waiting List, if there is one
  • If defendant is denied entry to Veterans Court, the case goes back to regular court calendar
  • If accepted, defendant is to observe a full Veterans Court calendar and provide a negative UA.
  • Defendant will then sign a Veterans Court contract and enter Veterans Court.

Staffing

All cases are subject to additional staffing on each court date. The purpose of the staffing is to address and monitor compliance with the recommended supervision plan for the client. The staffing is attended by:

  • Veterans Court Judge
  • Veterans Court Program Manager
  • Washington Department of Veteran Affairs Representative
  • Veterans Court Prosecuting Attorney
  • Veterans Court Defense Attorney
  • Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
  • Work Source Veterans’ Employment Specialist
  • **All treatment providers, defense counsel and prosecutors are welcome to attend staffing to advocate for their client and problem-solve with the team. However, a confidentiality waiver must be signed by all who attend, including court personnel**

Community Supervision

The client returns to court weekly, or until such time the client and Judge agree that a lengthier amount of time between court appearances is appropriate, based upon compliance and treatment progress. The Veteran Court Program Manager provides intensive supervision services to ensure each participant is compliant with treatment. The Washington Department of Veteran Affairs Representative is available as a resource for the veteran participants to ensure each veteran has the ability to follow through with appointments, has access to medication, adequate housing, and transportation, as well as other needed services.

**If a client is not compliant, a Violation Report is written and discussed at staffing for appropriate sanctioning.

Benefits to the Defendant

  • Improved Health
  • Reduced/Avoided Incarceration
  • Frequent Case Review
  • Benefit Application Assistance
  • Organizational Assistance
  • Sense of Community
  • Dismissal of Charge(s)

If you would like more information about the Thurston County Veterans Court, please call the Veterans Court Coordinator 360-867-2035.