Veterans Treatment Court

1. Diverting veterans from the traditional criminal justice system into an alternative to incarceration program that addresses their specific needs;
2. Improving access to medical, mental health, and substance abuse treatment;
3. Assisting with other debilitating factors such as unemployment and homelessness; and
4. Improving long-term mental health recovery and community reintegration through involvement in structured, comprehensive treatment.

To Qualify for the VTC a defendant MUST:

1. Be charged with a criminal offense in Montgomery County or in another county in which their criminal case is transferred to the VTC in Montgomery County;
2. Be a US Veteran, on active duty, or in the Reserves, or National Guard or State Guard;
3. Be active duty or have an Honorable Discharge, or General Discharge under Honorable Conditions (if separated or retired); 
4. Be eligible for VA services; 
5. Suffer from a brain injury, mental illness or mental disorder, or was a victim of military sexual trauma, that occurred during or resulted form the defendant's military service; and
6. The charged offense must have been effected by the mental illness or disorder, substance abuse disorder, or other traumatic disorder suffered due to military service.

All applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and not all criminal charges are eligible for Veterans Treatment Court. Many factors, including prior convictions, are considered.

The VTC program is voluntary and involves a four-phase program with at least fourteen (14) months of treatment. Participants may enter the VTC through probation or a pre-trial diversion contract.

Compliance with probation conditions  and treatment conditions are mandatory. The staffing committee determines whether or not an applicant is tentatively eligible. The Department of Veterans Affairs examines the defendant and provides information for further assessment. The presiding judge of the trial court makes the final determination on whether or not an applicant is able to participate in Veteran Treatment Court.

Veterans participating in VTC are given access to appointed defense counsel for the duration of proceedings.

The VTC dockets are held in the 359th District Courtroom at 207 West Phillips, 3rd Floor, Conroe, Texas 77301 on the second and fourth Wednesdays of every month beginning at 5:00 PM.

STEERING COMMITTEE:

 
• KATHLEEN HAMILTON - Chairperson - Veterans Treatment Court Judge

• NATE JENSEN - Office of Court Administration, Director

• CLAUDIA LAIRD - Presiding County Court Administrative Judge

• BRIAN BURNS - Criminal Defense Bar Representative

• MIKE MEADOR, Commissioner (Pct. 1) Commissioners' Court Representative

• RON LEACH (Probation Department Director) - Probation Department Representative

• MIKE SHIRLEY - District Attorney Office Representative

•  Citizen Veteran Representative

VTC TEAM:

• Kathleen Hamilton - Presiding Judge

• Mike Shirley - Prosecutor (936.539.7800)

• Jason Kerscheval - Defense Counsel (936.756.5511)

•  Wade Cooper - VA Representative (713.791.1414)

• Calvin Martin - Probation Officer (936.520.3429)

• Phyllis Rainey - VTC Court Administrator (936.539.7900)

• Josie Iracheta - VTC Court Coordinator (936.538.8195)

• Ashley Hyter - Mentor Coordinator (936.521.6132)

Steps to Apply to Veterans Treatment Court: 

STEP 1: