VETERANS TREATMENT COURT (VTC)
MISSION
The 21st Judicial District Veterans Treatment Court is dedicated to supporting justice-involved veterans by addressing the underlying challenges that contribute to criminal behavior. Through accountability, treatment, mentorship, and coordinated support services, the program empowers veterans to achieve lasting recovery, improve their quality of life, and successfully reintegrate into their families and communities.
By fostering collaboration among the court, treatment providers, veterans' service organizations, and criminal justice partners, Veterans Treatment Court honors the service of our nation's veterans while promoting public safety and reducing recidivism.
ABOUT THE VETERANS TREATMENT COURT PROGRAM
Veterans Treatment Court is a specialized court program designed to assist justice-involved veterans whose criminal behavior may be linked to challenges such as substance use disorders or difficulties resulting from military service. The program provides an alternative to traditional criminal justice proceedings by combining accountability, treatment, and support services in a structured court-supervised environment.
Participants work closely with the Veterans Treatment Court team, which may include the judge, probation officers, treatment providers, veterans service organizations, and volunteer veteran mentors. Through regular court appearances, treatment participation, drug and alcohol testing, and ongoing supervision, participants are held accountable while receiving the resources necessary to achieve lasting recovery and stability.
A key component of Veterans Treatment Court is the mentor program, where participants are paired with fellow veterans who provide encouragement, guidance, and support throughout the recovery process. This peer-to-peer connection helps participants overcome challenges, build resilience, and strengthen their commitment to positive change.
The goal of Veterans Treatment Court is to address the underlying issues that contribute to criminal behavior, reduce recidivism, and improve the lives of veterans and their families. By connecting participants with treatment, benefits, and community resources, the program promotes personal responsibility, successful reintegration, and enhanced public safety while honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans.
Louisiana’s Veterans Court Statute is R.S. 13:5361
Office
Physical Address: 12047 Old Baton Rouge Hwy., Hammond, LA 70403
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 788, Amite, LA 70422
Office: (985) 747-6766
Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch)
Elyse Saunders, Receptionist
STAFF
Craig Meyer, Case Manager
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR VETERANS TREATMENT COURT?
A defendant can only be considered eligible if:
is a Veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States as defined by R.S. 13:5364(1).
has an open misdemeanor or felony case in the 21st Judicial District Court (Livingston, St. Helena, or Tangipahoa Parish).
is willing to voluntarily participate and comply with any recommended treatment.
does not have a prior felony conviction for an offense defined as a homicide in R.S. 14:29 or as a sex offense in R.S. 15:541, or any pending criminal proceeding alleging the commission of an offense defined as a homicide in R.S. 14:29 or as a sex offense in R.S. 15:541.
the crime before the court cannot be a charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or any other drug or drugs that resulted in the death of a person.
the crime before the court is domestic abuse battery as defined in R.S. 14:35.3 or domestic abuse aggravated assault as defined in R.S. 14:37.7, the defendant shall comply with the following additional requirements as conditions of eligibility in the Veterans Treatment Court Program: 1.) Completion of a court-monitored domestic abuse intervention program as defined by R.S. 14:35.3 and 2.) No ownership or possession of a firearm while under the supervision of the Veterans Treatment Court program or court-ordered probation.
is 18 years of age or older.
is considered legally competent.
can meet the Federal Criteria of a Preliminarily Qualified Offender (34 U.S.C. § 10651).
Preliminarily Qualified Offender is:
An individual accused of an offense who has been determined by the prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, probation or corrections official, judge, and a representative from the relevant mental health agency to not pose a risk of violence to any person in the program or public; and
Has not been charged with or convicted of:
any sex offense or any offense relating to the sexual exploitation of children.
murder or assault with intent to commit murder.
If the defendant meets the eligibility requirements and is prepared to participate in the program, please complete the form below to begin the referral process.
Want to become a Volunteer Veteran Mentor? These are the requirements to become a VOLUNTEER veteran mentor:
Be a former or current member of the United States Armed Forces or organized militia of the several states and territories, including but not limited to a member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, National Guard, Air National Guard, Environmental Science Services Administration, or National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or its predecessor, the United States Coast, and Geodetic Survey.
Agree to follow and abide by all policies and procedures of the Twenty-First Judicial District Court Veterans Treatment Court Program and Mentor Program.
Not currently on probation for a misdemeanor or felony offense.
Not have a misdemeanor or felony conviction within the past three (3) years, or it has been at least six (6) months since graduating from the Veterans Treatment Court Program.
Complete an application, screening, and interview process.
Submit a DD-214 for review and undergo a criminal background check if required by the court.
Commit for a minimum of eighteen (18) months to volunteer as a mentor.
Complete the Mentor orientation program and any additional training that may be required by the program.
Maintain confidentiality regarding a participant’s case and personal information.
Have weekly contact with the participant to provide ongoing support and encouragement.
Be familiar with the warning signs and red flags for suicide or other mental health issues.
Individuals who meet the eligibility requirements and are willing to adhere to the program's requirements are encouraged to complete and submit the application below.