Apply to Veterans Treatment Court

"The Veterans Treatment Court is not a way out of charges and it is not easy. The VTC is at minimum twelve months of combined treatment, supervision and life skills. Participants are placed in a setting among their peers, veterans and active duty soldiers, to address the issues that have lead them to the criminal justice system. VTCs are specialized to better understand the effects of military service on our nation's veterans. Treatment Plans are designed for each participant based on mental illness diagnosis, like PTSD or TBI, and/or substance abuse. This program gives those individuals the skills to control those issues, and better the lives of themselves and their families. Although it may be difficult, this program can make all the difference in a service member's life."

Who Qualifies?

VTC is available for veterans with new criminal cases, as well as veterans subject to probation revocation proceedings. Early referral is recommended to best treat participants during legal proceedings. Veterans facing new charges must enter a plea and receive a probated sentence of no less than twelve (12) months in General Sessions Court or eighteen (18) months in Criminal Court in order to be eligible. Veterans subject to probation revocation proceedings must have a minimum twelve (12) months remaining on their probationary period in General Sessions Court and eighteen (18) months in Criminal Court.

Applicants must:

• Be eighteen (18) years of age or older.
• Be a Veteran OR Active-Duty Military
• Have been Honorably Discharged. The Court may consider other than honorably discharged candidates on a case-by-case basis and solely within the discretion of the Court.
• Reside within the 11th Judicial District of Hamilton County, TN.
• Not have violent criminal charges and/or convictions, no A or B felony criminal charges and/or convictions.
• Not be on the sex offender registry, cannot be a gang member, and cannot have any child related charges and/or convictions. Any other charges are considered on a case-by-case basis by a representative from the Hamilton County District Attorney’s Office.
• Plea to a charge that is eligible for probation.
• Voluntarily agree to enter the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC).
• Sign and execute all the necessary documents including medical release information.
• Have all legal matters in other courts and/or other jurisdictions resolved. The Court may consider these cases on a case-by-case basis and solely within the discretion of the Court.

Fill Out An Application
VA Request for Release of Information

Admission Process

Once the Case Manager has received your (or your client’s) application the Hamilton County VSO will verify the applicants discharge status, the VTC ADA will review the applicants criminal history and appropriateness for the program. If approved, the Case Manager will contact the applicant to schedule a Clinical Assessment. If the applicant meets clinical criteria the Case Manager will then notify Defense and Prosecution that the applicant is accepted. It is then the responsibility of the Defense to set a court date for plea and work out an agreement with the ADA ahead of time.