Veterans Treatment Court

veteran saluting the American flag

Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC) are specialty dockets designed for military veterans whose involvement in the criminal justice system is associated with a substance use disorder, mental health needs, or both.

These programs combine judicial supervision, treatment, accountability, and veteran-specific support to promote recovery, improve stability, and reduce recidivism. Participation is voluntary and requires a plea agreement and acceptance of responsibility.

Veterans Treatment Courts recognize that some veterans may face service-related challenges that affect their health, recovery, and involvement in the justice system.

How the Program Works

Veterans Treatment Courts are structured, team-based court programs that connect eligible veterans with treatment, supervision, and recovery supports.

Participants work closely with a multidisciplinary treatment court team and may be required to:

  • Appear regularly before the presiding judge
  • Meet with a case manager and supervision staff
  • Participate in substance use, mental health, and recovery support services
  • Submit to frequent, random, and observed drug and alcohol testing
  • Comply with program rules, court orders, and supervision requirements
  • Work toward recovery, stability, and accountability in the community

Veterans Treatment Courts also emphasize:

  • Peer mentor support from fellow veterans
  • Collaboration with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Togus VA Medical Center, Vet Centers, and other veteran-serving organizations
  • Access to treatment and services through the VA and community providers when appropriate

The program uses treatment, supervision, incentives, and graduated responses to support engagement, accountability, and long-term stability.

Participation typically lasts at least one year, and many participants remain in the program longer depending on their needs and progress.

Who May Be Eligible

Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

In general, Veterans Treatment Courts are intended for individuals who:

  • Are military veterans
  • Are 18 years of age or older
  • Have substance use and/or mental health treatment needs
  • Are involved in a criminal case or probation matter
  • Are assessed as high-risk and high-need for recidivism
  • Are unlikely to succeed on traditional supervision without structured intervention

Not every person who applies will be admitted.

How to Apply

A Treatment Court Referral Form (CR-234) may be submitted by:

  • The defendant
  • A defense attorney
  • A probation officer
  • A family member
  • A treatment provider
  • Another interested person or professional

A referral may be submitted at many stages of a criminal case.

After a referral is submitted:

  1. The applicant is screened for legal and clinical eligibility.
  2. The treatment court team reviews the available information.
  3. If appropriate, the applicant may be offered admission through a plea agreement and court approval.

Entry into the program is voluntary.

Before Admission

Before final admission, the applicant must:

  • Review the program requirements with legal counsel
  • Understand the legal consequences of participation
  • Review and sign required court and program documents
  • Agree to treatment court conditions and information-sharing requirements permitted by law

Participation in a Veterans Treatment Court requires a significant time commitment and active engagement in treatment, supervision, and recovery.

Program Requirements

Participants should expect a structured and demanding program.

Requirements may include:

  • Regular court appearances
  • Frequent meetings with case management and supervision staff
  • Substance use and/or mental health treatment services
  • Recovery support services
  • Drug and alcohol testing
  • Compliance with supervision conditions
  • Participation in employment, education, or approved community service when appropriate
  • Compliance with treatment expectations, medication management requirements, and supervision conditions established by the court and treatment team

Participants move through multiple phases of the program over time. As participants make progress and demonstrate stability, some requirements may change.

Veterans may also be encouraged to engage with veteran-specific treatment, benefits, and support services available through the VA and other community partners.

Substance Use During Participation

Participants are expected to comply with all program requirements regarding alcohol, controlled substances, prescribed medications, and other substance use during participation in the program.

Program responses to substance use are addressed in accordance with court policies, treatment recommendations, applicable law, and the participant’s clinical needs and stage of progress in the program.

Questions involving prescribed medications or medical marijuana are addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with program policies, applicable law, and clinical and legal considerations.

If an Applicant Is Not Admitted

Because Veterans Treatment Courts are intensive programs with limited capacity, not every applicant who may be eligible will be admitted.

Admission may be denied if:

  • The applicant does not meet legal or clinical criteria
  • The applicant is not appropriate for the program
  • Necessary services or program capacity are not available

If an applicant is not admitted, the case will continue through the regular court process unless another option is identified.

Where Veterans Treatment Courts Operate

Veterans Treatment Courts currently operate in the following locations:


Jurisdiction(s) Served
Court Location(s)

Cumberland and surrounding counties

Cumberland County Superior Court, Portland

Kennebec and surrounding counties

Capital Judicial Center, Augusta

Program availability, referral practices, and service areas may vary  For questions about eligibility, referrals, or current program information, please review the information provided on these webpages, contact the court clerk, or use the contact information listed on the applicable court type page.

Important Program Information

Voluntary Participation
Participation is voluntary. However, once admitted, participants are expected to comply fully with court and program requirements.

Veteran Eligibility
Veterans from any era of service may be considered. Program eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Transportation and Attendance
Participants must be able to attend court, treatment, case management appointments, testing, peer mentor meetings, and other required activities on a regular basis.

Peer Mentor Support
Each participant is paired with a peer mentor or veteran support resource as available. Peer mentor relationships are intended to promote connection, encouragement, and accountability.

Forms and Resources

Contact

For questions about the Veterans Treatment Court:
Cumberland County Superior Court, Maine Pretrial Services
Phone: (207) 615-2906 or (207) 615-3786

Capital Judicial Center (Augusta), Maine Pretrial Services
Phone: (207) 485-4315, (207) 441-0265, or (207) 399-6281

For general questions about Maine Treatment & Recovery Courts:
Specialty Dockets & Grants Coordinator
Administrative Office of the Courts
Phone: (207) 213-2858
Email: specialtydockets@courts.maine.gov