Ccl6: Veterans Treatment Court

Mission and Purpose

The mission of the Collin County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court is to identify, support, and rehabilitate eligible justice-involved veterans whose criminal behavior may be connected to military service-related challenges. Through accountability, treatment, mentorship, and judicial supervision, the Court seeks to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior while promoting public safety and long-term recovery.

The Court is committed to connecting veterans with evidence-based treatment, behavioral health services, veterans' benefits, peer support, and community resources that foster stability and personal growth. By addressing substance use disorders, mental health conditions, trauma, and other barriers to success, the program provides participants with an opportunity to improve their quality of life, strengthen family and community relationships, and successfully reintegrate into society.

Under the leadership of Judge Ben Bender (Navy), the Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court recognizes the sacrifices made by those who have served our nation and strives to provide a structured pathway toward accountability, rehabilitation, and successful resolution of criminal cases.

Program Overview

The Collin County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court is a specialized court designed to serve veterans facing misdemeanor criminal charges or supervision-related violations. The program offers an alternative to the traditional criminal justice process by focusing on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment alone.

Many participants enter the program struggling with challenges related to military service, including post-traumatic stress, substance use disorders, depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injuries, and difficulties adjusting to civilian life. Through a collaborative team approach, the Court works to identify these underlying issues and connect participants with appropriate treatment and supportive services.

Upon acceptance into the program, participants undergo assessment and begin an individualized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and goals.

Program Structure

The Court utilizes a phased approach designed to promote accountability, treatment engagement, and long-term recovery. Participants work closely with the treatment team to develop and achieve individualized goals while progressing through the program.

Services may include:

• Substance use treatment
• Mental health counseling
• Trauma-informed care
• Peer mentorship
• Educational and employment assistance
• Veterans benefits navigation
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Case management and resource coordination
• Housing and transportation assistance, when available

The treatment team regularly reviews participant progress and adjusts services as needed to support recovery and successful program completion.

Case Management and Supervision

Each participant is assigned a Veterans Court Case Manager and is monitored by the Veterans Court team throughout their participation. The team collaborates with treatment providers, mentors, probation officers, Veterans Affairs representatives, and community partners to ensure participants receive comprehensive support.

The Court's goal is not only to monitor compliance but also to help participants build the skills, resources, and support systems necessary for long-term success.

Court Reviews and Compliance Hearings

Participants are required to attend court once each month for a formal review of their case. During these hearings, Judge Bender and the treatment team review each participant's progress, treatment participation, and compliance with program requirements.

Court appearances serve as more than a compliance review. They provide an opportunity to recognize and discuss important milestones and life events, including graduations, new employment, marriages, divorces, the birth of children, sobriety anniversaries educational achievements, and other significant successes or challenges occurring throughout a participant's recovery journey. While many of these events are celebratory, others represent important personal growth, healthy boundary setting, and positive life changes that support long-term recovery.

The Court utilizes both incentives and sanctions to encourage accountability, reinforce positive behavior, and address non-compliance when necessary.

Program Length and Case Resolution

The Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court is generally designed as a 12 to 24 month program, although the length of participation may vary based on individual treatment needs, progress, and compliance.

Upon successful completion, participants may be eligible for favorable case outcomes as permitted by law and approved by the Court and prosecuting authority. These outcomes may include dismissal of eligible charges, reduced supervision requirements, early termination of probation, or other alternatives that support long-term rehabilitation.

Participants who are unsuccessful in the program may have their cases returned to the traditional criminal justice process for continued prosecution or supervision.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a current or former member of the United States Armed Forces, including Active Duty Military, Reserves, National Guard, or Texas State Guard.
• Demonstrate a connection between military service and the circumstances contributing to the offense or behavioral health concerns.
• Meet all legal, clinical, and program eligibility requirements established by the Court.

Disqualifying Factors

Applicants are not eligible for participation if they:

• Received a Dishonorable Discharge from military service.
• Are charged with or have been convicted of a sexual offense.
• Are charged with or have been convicted of an offense involving a child victim, including sexual offenses against children.
• Are charged with Murder.
• Are charged with Manslaughter.
• Are charged with Intoxication Manslaughter.
• Present a risk level or public safety concern that the Veterans Court team determines cannot be safely or appropriately managed within the program.
• Are otherwise excluded under program policies, applicable law, or prosecutorial discretion.

The Veterans Court team, prosecuting authority, and Court reserve the right to deny admission based on the totality of the circumstances presented in a case, including public safety concerns, criminal history, victim considerations, treatment appropriateness, and the participant's ability to successfully engage in the program. Meeting the basic eligibility requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis by the Veterans Court team and require approval from the prosecuting authority and the Court prior to admission.

Referral Sources

Referrals may originate from:

• Judges
• Prosecutors
• Defense attorneys
• Law enforcement agencies
• Probation officers
• Mental health providers
• Veterans Service Organizations
• Family members and friends
• Self-referrals

Funding Acknowledgment

The Collin County Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court is supported in part through grants provided by the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans' Assistance. These grants help ensure veterans and their families have access to critical services, treatment, and resources that support recovery, accountability, and long-term success.