Search Tips

Veterans Treatment Court

The mission of the Northeast Central Judicial District’s Veterans Treatment Court is to promote recovery, stability, and accountability for veterans involved in the justice system through supervision and service-oriented mentorship; therefore improving public safety and civic contribution to the citizens and State of North Dakota.

Program Description

Veterans Treatment Courts are designed to give an opportunity to improve the quality of a justice involved veteran’s life.  By choosing to participate in this program, they have to show that they are ready to do the work to make positive changes toward recovery and a law-abiding life.  Change is difficult, and they are sure to face many challenges within the course of the program.  However, they will continue moving forward one step at a time.  Veterans Treatment Courts provide support and assistance on their path.  The Veterans Treatment Court emphasizes courage, commitment, integrity, devotion, and honor, and we hope they find these values meaningful as well. 

Who is eligible to be a participant of Veterans Treatment Court?

Persons seeking admission in the Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) must meet the following criteria:

  • Participant is either a current or former member of the Armed Forces (Navy, Marines, Army, Air Force, and Space Force) including the Army or Air Force National Guard or Reserves
  • If a former service member, they must be eligible for benefits through the Veterans Affairs (VA). Assistance with determining eligibility will be provided by the VJO
  • If a current service member, you must be available to participate for at least 18 months and must disclose any permanent change of station, deployment, or orders
    • Being active duty does not exclude you from the participation in the VTC; however, your command staff will need to ensure that you will be “reasonably available” to participate in the program
  • Must be currently residing in the Grand Forks or Nelson County, and able to comply with the program requirements
  • Must be determined to be in need of treatment for either mental health and/or chemical dependency/substance use
  • Cannot have any other criminal charges or holds that will interfere with treatment
  • Must agree to participate in and be subject to the rules, regulations and sanctions of VTC
  • Must be amenable to treatment and motivated to participate in the program
  • Must agree to sign a limited release of information to allow communication for purposes of VTC between the VA/medical professional/treatment providers and the DOCR Probation Officer for the duration of the program.

Who is part of the VTC Team?

Judge
Coordinator
State’s Attorney Office
Defense Counsel
Parole and Probation Officer
VTC Mentor Coordinator
Community Treatment and Service Providers
Department of Veterans’ Affairs Veteran Justice Outreach Specialist
Veterans’ Service Officer

Overall Goals

It is a goal of this program to reduce, deter, and ultimately eliminate repeat criminal offenses.  The objectives will have the following characteristics:

  • Enhance Public Safety
  • Reduce Recidivism
  • Improve Treatment Outcomes
  • Reduce costs
  • Improved Criminal Justice System
  • Return to Community

Locations and Contact Information

Requests for Admission

Veterans Treatment Court Petition

Laws

Resources

Northeast Central Judicial District

Veterans Treatment Court
Coordinator: Kim Higgs
Contact information:
Email: khiggs@ndcourts.gov
Tel: 701-787-2760