Veterans Trauma Court
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The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office (DA’s Office) was the first district attorney’s office in Colorado to work towards creating a specialty court designed specifically for veterans struggling with service related trauma. The DA’s Office serves as a gatekeeper for admission into the Veterans Trauma Court (VTC), effectively screening veterans and cases to most efficiently serve our community and reduce recidivism in veteran related cases. To be eligible for the program, a veteran or active duty military member must show a service related trauma (PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, etc.) that is connected to the crimes they are charged with.
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The VTC team provides intensive supervision and facilitates treatment for the admitted veteran. Veterans who fail to engage in treatment or counseling are held accountable by the VTC team and will be sanctioned by the Court. Sanction options available to the court range from requiring public service, increased treatment levels, in-patient treatment, and jail. Continued violations of their placement in VTC can result in termination from the program.
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The VTC specialty court is presided over by the Honorable Judge David Shakes. Judge Shakes has a unique and valuable perspective gained from his service as a former Judge Advocate with the U.S. Army.
For more details, visit the Veterans Trauma Court Website: Veterans Trauma Court Details