Municipal Specialized Docket

Veterans Court

Restoring Honor

The objective of Veterans Court is to divert veterans from the traditional criminal justice system to a treatment-based court in order to rehabilitate and assist veterans in leading a productive and law abiding life.

Introduction

Ohio has over 900,000 veterans, the sixth largest population of veterans among the fifty states. Veterans returning home after discharge find it difficult to transition back into civilian life since many suffer from mental/emotional wounds, such as Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Most often these veterans did not have a criminal history before their tour of duty. Most of them served in a combat zone, deployed in multiple tours, and received the Purple Heart. Many are homeless, unemployed, disconnected from family, have not applied for any benefit assistance and have not sought any form of help through the Cincinnati VA Hospital although they are eligible for these services. Many veterans self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. Some are suicidal.

Hamilton County Veterans Court brings the multitude of the services and resources from our community to the courtroom to assist the veteran with mental health care, drug and alcohol abuse treatment, medical, housing, transportation, educational and employment resources, and veterans’ benefits.

Judge Brad Greenberg

Judge Greenberg has led the Municipal Veterans Treatment Court since January 2017. The Municipal Veterans Treatment Court is certified as a Specialized Docket by the Ohio Supreme Court.

The Veteran Treatment Court helps criminal defendants who are veterans deal with trauma and other issues resulting from warfare with the aim of providing healing, support, and a second chance. It does not excuse the veteran for committing criminal offenses. Rather, the level of commitment to the judicial supervision of treatment is more stringent than traditional based probation. Veterans who fail to comply with the treatment requirements are diverted to a regular hearing.

Once the veteranin the criminal justice system is identified through evidence-based screening and assessments, a referral may be made through pre-trial services, a probation officer, public defender or defense attorney, a prosecutor, or a Judge. The veteran voluntarily commits to participate in the Veterans Court by signing a contract with the court. The veterans are judicially supervised in their compliance with a treatment plan that was developed by a team of specialists.

The treatment team, which can consist of mental health specialists, pre-trial services, peer mentors, a Veteran Justice Outreach Officer, probation officer, law enforcement officer(s), public defender, prosecutor, vocational rehabilitation specialist, work in conjunction with the professional medical and psychological care providers at the Cincinnati VA Medical Center to create a specific treatment plan for each veteran. In addition, the team educates and assists the veteran who may be unaware of the eligibility for VA programs and services. Veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, or other issues often require additional assistance to enroll for benefits they have earned.

CHANGE Court

Hon. Janaya Trotter Bratton

Presiding Judge

CHANGE Court
Hamilton County Municipal Court
Hamilton County Courthouse
1000 Main Street
Room 124
Cincinnati, Ohio 45202

Contact Information

CHANGE Court Coordinator
Jessica Hines
Phone: 513-609-7108

CHANGE Court Probation Officer
Shannon Thompson
Phone: 513-516-7672