Third District Veterans Treatment Court

The primary goal of Veterans Treatment Court is to address the underlying issues that contribute to a Veteran’s involvement in the criminal justice system, such as mental health disorders, substance abuse, or trauma-related issues. By focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment, Veterans Treatment Courts aim to improve the overall well-being of Veterans and reduce recidivism rates.

The Third District Court Veterans Treatment Court is a post-plea felony-level court. It takes at least 18 months to complete. To participate in this program, a Veteran must not have received a dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. military. Participants are initially assessed by a Veteran Affairs Mental Health Professional to determine what kind of treatment is appropriate. After that assessment, the Veteran must actively engage in treatment and counseling. In addition, participants cannot drink alcohol nor can they consume illegal drugs; regular testing is conducted to ensure compliance.

To graduate participants must either have paid all restitution related to their case or have set up arrangements to pay it. When a Veteran graduates they are given a reduced level of conviction; some have charges reduced and some have them dismissed.

The court has an overall success rate of 70%. 191 Veterans have been served through the program since 2015. 160 Veterans have completed the program. 112 of those who completed Veterans Treatment Court did so successfully and 47 were unsuccessful.

“Our Veterans made a commitment to stand up and protect our country. When service members return from duty, they may experience psychological and emotional effects, which can sometimes lead to criminal behavior.  Our Veterans Treatment Court recognizes their sacrifice and helps provide Veterans with the tools necessary to overcome the challenges they face because of their commitment to serve our country,” said Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill.

Here are the completion rates for the last 4 years of the program.

 

Through the end of September 2023:

 

Percentage                                                    

                          2020   2021   2022   2023   AVG

Successful         84%    86%    70%    73%    78%

Unsuccessful     16%    14%    30%    27%    22%

                                                           

                                               

                        2020     2021   2022   2023   AVG

Successful         21        12        14        11        14.5

Unsuccessful     4          2          6          4          4