HOW VETERANS TREATMENT COURT CAN HELP YOU

As a veteran or service member of the United States Armed Forces, you may qualify for a special program to help deal with your criminal or DUI charges.

The Cook County Veterans Treatment Court program aims to prevent veterans from returning to the criminal justice system and to improve their quality of life. The program recognizes that those who have served their country may suffer from post-traumatic stress or other traumas or depression. (The Lake County Circuit Court operates a similar program.)

In order to participate, you must obtain court approval. The State’s Attorney’s office reviews your case for eligibility. Your criminal defense attorney can help you navigate through this process.

As a veteran, you are eligible for the program provided you show willingness to participate, your crime is non-violent, you have no convictions for violent crime within the last ten years, and you haven’t been through the program in the last three years. You must have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and/or a mental health disorder.

Once accepted, you must sign a contract with the court. You must participate in any treatment recommended by the Veterans Court Treatment Team. You must avoid alcohol and other illegal substances and submit to random drug testing. You cannot possess any weapon or commit another crime. You must report to your VA case manager and probation worker and appear at all court dates. You may also have to perform community service and participate in self-help programs. And you must plead guilty to the original charge. If you fail to comply with these requirements, the court may impose extra penalties.

While the program may seem tough, the program it is a real alternative to any criminal sentence you might otherwise receive. In some cases, completion of the program may result in dismissing the charges against you.

For more information, see Cook County Veterans Treatment Court. A participant handbook explaining the program and answering question can be found at here. Information on Lake County’s program can be found here.

If you have questions about this or another related criminal or traffic matter, please contact Matt Keenan at 847-568-0160 or email matt@mattkeenanlaw.com.

(Besides Skokie, Matt Keenan also serves the communities of Arlington Heights, Chicago, Deerfield, Des Plaines, Evanston, Glenview, Morton Grove, Mount Prospect, Niles, Northbrook, Park Ridge, Rolling Meadows, Wilmette and Winnetka.)