Veterans Court
In April 2011, the Montgomery County Veterans Treatment Court was established to more effectively address the needs of veterans cycling through the court and prison system. This court represents collaboration between the Public Defender’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, the Court of Common Pleas, the Montgomery County Correctional Facility, the Adult Probation Office, the County Department of Veterans Affairs, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The mission of the Veterans Treatment Court is to connect our clients who have served their county as a member of the Armed with VA benefits, treatment services and supports, to ultimately arrive at a comprehensive disposition to their criminal charges.
Referral Process
A client can be referred to Veteran’s Treatment Court after charges have been filed and the case has been sent to the Court of Common Pleas. Referrals will also be accepted for criminal defendants who are before the Court of Common Pleas for alleged violations of existing probation/parole sentences (Gagnon Hearing).
Eligibility
Veterans Treatment Court is limited to defendants who are eligible for VA benefits. In order to participate in Veterans Treatment Court the defendant must be a veteran who suffers from:
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Military Sexual Trauma (MST), or
• Psychological and/or substance abuse problems requiring treatment.
Veterans with co-occurring mental health or substance abuse issues will be evaluated for Veterans Treatment Court but may be more appropriately referred to Drug Treatment Court and/or Behavioral Health Court.
For more information, please contact attorney Patricia Cassidy, at PCassidy@montcopa.org or by calling 610-278-3296.