Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court
MISSION
The Monroe County Veterans Treatment Court assists veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States. It is a court-supervised program coupled with intensive treatment and supervision for non-violent criminal offenders. It is designed to address those who are entering the justice system due to conditions related to their military service. Eligible participants are diverted from the normal judicial process to a treatment-based system. The Court strives to create a supportive community to foster successful completion of the program.
The program functions as a non-confrontational treatment court focusing on helping each veteran work through service-related conditions. A team of dedicated professionals will be available to assist veterans in their successful completion of the program. The program is voluntary and includes monthly court appearances and probation reporting. It also includes drug and alcohol treatment, mental health treatment, random drug testing, employment assistance, counseling, educational classes, community service and meeting with a mentor.
The Veterans Treatment Court also works in conjunction with the Ann Arbor & Toledo Veterans Administration Medical Centers to offer services to the veterans and works in collaboration with the Case Managers to achieve those goals. Participation in Veterans Treatment Court requires a commitment of 12 to 24 months and includes three levels: Level 1 - Stabilization, Level 2 - Transition and Level 3 - Maintenance.
ELIGIBILITY
- Veteran or active member of the United States Armed Forces with separation in a manner other than a dishonorable discharge.
- Monroe County resident (non-residents will be considered on a case-by-case basis, based on their ability to meet program requirements
- Currently charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense generally related to the military service of the participant, including the abuse, illegal use or possession of a controlled substance or alcohol or mental illness that arises as a result of service.
- Currently dependent upon or abusing drugs/alcohol OR suffering from a mental illness.
- Not presently charged with or ever convicted of an offense involving the death or serious bodily injury to any person or criminal sexual conduct in any degree.
- Participant voluntarily agrees to participate.
VETERANS COURT CORE TEAM
Hon. Michael Brown
Presiding Judge
(734)240-7125
Jack Penwarden
Veterans Court Coordinator
(734) 240-7140
Hon. Terrence Bronson
Judge Emeritus
Gregory Abood
Probation Officer
(734) 240-7102
Jonathan Jones
Monroe County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney
(734) 240-7600
Matthew Vititoe
Defense Attorney
(734) 265-1510
Jamie Wright
VA Justice Outreach Coordinator (Ann Arbor)
(734) 478-3551
Robert Kull
Monroe County Veterans Bureau
(734) 240-3287
If you are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please contact the Veterans Court Coordinator:
Jack Penwarden (734) 240-7140 or jack_penwarden@monroemi.org
STRUCTURE & INFORMATION
The Monroe County Veterans Court is held every third Friday of the month at 10:30 am in the courtroom of Judge Michael Brown at the Monroe County Courthouse.
For additional information contact the Veterans Court Coordinator:
Jack Penwarden (734) 240-7140 or jack_penwarden@monroemi.org - Copy.jpg)