October 9, 2015
For Immediate Release

Baltimore City District Court Begins First Veterans Treatment Docket

(BALTIMORE, Md. – October 9, 2015) – The District Court in Baltimore City will launch the first District Court Veterans Treatment Docket on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 2 p.m. at the Eastside Courthouse, 1400 E. North Avenue. This docket is the first of its kind in the District Court of Maryland to focus on the special needs of veterans who are involved in the justice system, joining a growing number of courts nationwide to recognize the need for veterans' dockets.

The Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Docket is a court supervised, comprehensive, and voluntary treatment-based program for former military service members charged with misdemeanors or certain felonies in the District Court. The docket emphasizes rehabilitation over incarceration, similar to a drug court or a mental health court. Providing supervision and services for up to one year, the program will utilize a Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist to link eligible veterans to assistance and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. (Veterans who do not qualify for VA benefits will receive a treatment assessment and services through non-VA providers.)

"This specialized docket allows us to coordinate resources and draw on the skills of a strong, interdisciplinary team to focus on the unique concerns and needs of the veterans who come to our courts," said Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Docket Presiding Judge Halee F. Weinstein. "The collaboration among our justice partners and the VA Maryland Health Care System is instrumental to the success of the program, and I look forward to ensuring that veterans are connected to the benefits and treatment earned through their military service."   

"The launch of the Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Docket marks an important step for the District Court of Maryland," said Judge John P. Morrissey, Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland. "I believe Judge Weinstein, a veteran herself, will lead the Veterans Treatment Docket efficiently and judiciously. She is well-equipped to facilitate a coordinated response to veterans’ treatment when they enter the criminal justice system."

Dr. Adam M. Robinson, Jr., Director of the VA Maryland Health Care System added, "We are thrilled to be working with Judge Halee Weinstein to create a Veterans Docket that will serve military veterans involved in the criminal justice system. I am proud of our Veterans Justice Outreach staff who conduct weekly outreach to incarcerated veterans throughout the region. The creation of a Veterans Docket is a logical next step, and I would like to thank Judge Weinstein for her leadership."

Located at the District Court in Baltimore City, Eastside Building, the first Veterans Treatment Docket will begin on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, at 2 p.m. in Courtroom Seven.

The Circuit Court for Prince George’s County also offers a docket specifically for veterans.

Editor’s Note:           
Media representatives are invited to attend the first session of the Veterans Treatment Docket. To RSVP and to discuss the use of cameras and/or electronic devices in the courthouse, call the Office of Communications and Public Affairs at 410-260-1488, or email Angelita Plemmer Williams or Terri Charles.

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