2001-E/F Commerce Park Drive
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
410-260-1488
Baltimore City District Court Celebrates First Anniversary
of Veterans Treatment Docket
Twelve Participants Graduate in First Year
(BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – November 11, 2016, Veterans Day) – The District Court in Baltimore City recently celebrated the first anniversary of its Veterans Treatment Docket with the graduation of twelve program participants. The Veterans Treatment Docket now has 47 veterans enrolled in the District Court of Maryland’s first docket focused specifically on the unique needs of U.S. veterans who are involved in the justice system. Presided by District Judge Halee F. Weinstein, the Veterans Treatment Docket was launched in October 2015, at the Eastside District Courthouse, 1400 E. North Avenue, in Baltimore. The docket is held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.
“This new docket provides improved access to justice for military veterans while meeting the Maryland Judiciary’s Strategic Plan goal of being responsive and adaptable to changing community needs,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “I commend Judge Halee Weinstein, a veteran herself, for her leadership of this docket.”
The 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 utilizes 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 receive a treatment assessment and services through non-VA providers.
“It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and I congratulate all of our justice partners who worked together to bring this program to fruition for the benefit of our local veterans,” said Baltimore City Veterans Treatment Docket Presiding Judge Halee F. Weinstein. “Some of those who serve our country encounter extenuating circumstances and they deserve the opportunity, and the assistance, to reclaim their lives. Our first group of successful veterans demonstrates that focusing resources on their needs is worthwhile, connecting them to treatment and benefits.”
The Veterans Treatment Docket is a collaborative of government, social service, and nonprofit agencies including the Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System, United Way of Central Maryland, Baltimore Station, The Red Cross, and the Maryland Department of Parole and Probation.
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