Maryland Veterans Court Lawyer
Maryland’s Veterans Treatment Courts give eligible veterans a treatment first path that pairs court supervision with coordinated services for PTSD, TBI, substance use, and related conditions. These dockets are part of the Judiciary’s Office of Problem Solving Courts, which sets statewide standards, training, and support for specialty dockets.
Recent development. On November 12, 2024, the District Court in Baltimore City launched the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court, serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County for misdemeanor cases and certain concurrent jurisdiction felonies. With this expansion, veterans dockets are offered in 13 locations statewide. Read the Judiciary’s announcement here.
Where Veterans Treatment Courts operate
Use the Judiciary’s official Operational Problem Solving Courts map to see which counties currently host a veterans docket or a regional veterans docket. We monitor county level availability and referral points to place clients quickly.
- Central Maryland Regional VTC. District Court in Baltimore City serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. See the press release here.
- Other veterans dockets. The statewide map reflects additional veterans courts and regional programs that cover multiple counties. View the map here and OPSC resources here.
Eligibility and VA coordination
While each program sets its own screening criteria, common elements include proof of military service, a clinical need tied to service related conditions, and a willingness to follow a treatment plan with court supervision. Programs are voluntary and are designed to connect participants to Veterans Affairs benefits, mentoring, and community based services. For overview information, visit the Judiciary’s Office of Problem Solving Courts and the regional VTC press release announcement.
How we help you qualify and succeed:
- Compile DD 214 or other service verification and a concise clinical snapshot for screening.
- Coordinate with VA clinicians, case managers, mentors, and community partners identified by the Office of Problem Solving Courts.
- Prepare you for intake, orientation, and the first status review so you start on solid footing.
How Veterans Treatment Courts work
Veterans Treatment Courts are specialized Problem Solving Courts. Teams use incentives and sanctions, frequent staffings, and judicial monitoring to support compliance and recovery. The Office of Problem Solving Courts supports program creation, best practices, and grant resources across the state.
Common phases
- Screening and referral from District Court or Circuit Court.
- Admission and treatment plan with coordinated services.
- Phased participation with regular reviews, incentives, and measured sanctions.
- Graduation and case resolution, which can include reductions or alternatives depending on the local program.
Why veterans courts help
- Treatment and accountability in place of traditional sentencing when appropriate.
- A collaborative model that brings together the court, VA, probation, and local providers. Learn more about PSCs here.
- Regional access points so more veterans can enter a docket that fits their needs. See the Central Maryland VTC announcement here.
Our role in your case
- Front end placement. We identify the right docket, confirm eligibility, and submit a complete referral package.
- Team coordination. We work with VA clinicians, mentors, probation, and providers to address needs early and document progress. The Court’s overview is available here.
- Court advocacy. We appear at status hearings, propose plan adjustments, and position you for the most favorable outcome available in your jurisdiction.
FAQs
What charges qualify for Veterans Treatment Court
Programs vary by county. The Central Maryland Regional VTC serves misdemeanors and some concurrent jurisdiction felonies in the District Court. We confirm eligibility with the program coordinator before you commit. See the announcement here.
Will my case be dismissed if I graduate
Outcomes differ by jurisdiction. Many programs offer reductions or tailored alternatives at completion. The Judiciary’s PSC overview is here.
How many veterans courts are in Maryland
As of November 12, 2024, the Judiciary reported 13 veterans court locations statewide, including regional programs. Source: press release here.
Who oversees these programs
Maryland’s Office of Problem Solving Courts provides statewide standards, training, and support for problem solving courts, including veterans dockets. Learn more here.
Related pages
If you or a loved one is a veteran facing charges, we will review eligibility, line up VA resources, and move your referral forward. Reach out for a free consultation today.