Veterans Court offered by King County District Court's Regional Court in Seattle
Provides prosecuted veterans with access to public mental health treatment services to promote reduced recidivism. Offers a team-based approach that includes the veteran and incorporates individualized treatment plans, close monitoring, and creative approaches to resolve difficult issues. A court clinician from the treatment community will be present at all hearings and will be responsible for developing an initial treatment plan and linking the defendant to appropriate services. Defendants receive court-ordered treatment instead of standard sentencing. Participation in the King County program is voluntary, as defendants may be asked to waive their rights to a trial on the merits of the case. The Veterans Court reserves the right not to accept cases into its jurisdiction
Physical Address
516 3rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Hours
M-F, 8:30am-4:30pm.
Application process
If the defendant is charged with a felony or the case is pending in a King County municipal court, the Prosecutor currently assigned to the case must make the referral. If the defendant is charged with a misdemeanor and the case is being prosecuted by the King County Prosecutor’s Office, anyone – including defense counsel – can refer the case. These cases may be referred at any stage of the proceedings, from pre-filing to post-sentencing. Referrals are typically made in court at the time that the veteran status and qualifying diagnosis are identified by asking the currently-assigned judge to set a courtesy hearing.
Fee
None.
Eligibility
The charge(s) are being prosecuted by King County or a municipality within King County; The defendant meets diagnostic criteria for a behavioral health disorder that can be treated through VA Health Care Services. Appropriate services are available through the VA and the defendant is eligible for those services; and The defendant demonstrates a willingness and ability to engage in treatment and probation and to abide by court conditions.
Languages
Interpreter services
Service area
King, WA
Agency info
King County District Court's Regional Courts
Through Mental Health Court, mentally ill misdemeanant offenders receive court ordered treatment instead of a standard sentence. Veterans Court serves veterans in the justice system who may have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other service related disabilities. Defendants receive court-ordered mental health treatment instead of standard sentencing.