City of Tempe, AZ
Home MenuEast Valley Regional Veterans' Court
What is the East Valley Regional Veterans’ Court?
- Problem-solving court program held every week.
- Established to assist participating municipalities with the goal of improving the quality of life for Arizona Veterans and their families.
- A cooperative effort among judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, members of the Veterans Health Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs Justice Outreach program, human service agencies and Mercy Maricopa Integrated Care, working together to assist Arizona Veterans transitioning from military service.
Participating Municipalities:
Carefree-Cave Creek Consolidated Court
Fountain Hills Municipal Court
Paradise Valley Municipal Court
Why Veterans' Court Only Program?
- Addresses pending charges and life situations such as medical conditions, unemployment, lack of education, homelessness, mental health issues and drug or alcohol abuse that may be contributing to the Veterans’ charges.
- Designed to expedite access to Veteran-specific resources such as benefits and treatment. Veterans are able to utilize the same benefits earned through service.
- Ensures Veterans meet obligations to themselves, the court, and the community by requiring them to appear in person and address the charges filed against them.
- A unique plan is designed for each Veteran - ranging from educational programs and individual counseling to intensive inpatient treatment.
- Builds bonds and camaraderie among Veterans by having participants undergo the treatment process with others who have had similar past experiences.
- Treatment conducted through the VA or Social Services agencies.
- Graduates may earn a dismissal or a reduction in charges.
Who is Eligible to Participate?
- Veterans who have served in the Military and been charged with a misdemeanor violation filed with any municipality participating in the East Valley Regional Veterans' Court.
- Veterans whose case(s) cannot be processed through diversion programs.
- All Veterans regardless of military discharge or length of service, or if on active duty.
What Cases Will Not be Referred to Veterans’ Court?
- The Prosecutor’s Office from any of the participating municipalities can refuse admission into Veterans' Court if it would violate the law or the interest of justice.
- If the charge(s) are being challenged, the case will resume with regular court proceedings.
How Do I Enroll?
If you want to be considered for the Regional Veterans' court, ask your attorney, the prosecutor or the judge to determine your eligibility.
Resources:
Arizona Coalition for Military Families
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
Arizona Veterans StandDown Alliance
City of Tempe Care 7 Veteran Services
East Valley Regional Veterans' Court Ceremony, November 9, 2016
Tempe Veterans' Court Graduation Ceremony Program PDF, October 1, 2015
Have questions? Please email the Court at court-inquiries@tempe.gov.
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