Veterans Treatment Court

Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) was established in May 2012 and works with current or former members of the United States Military that are involved in the criminal justice system.  The goal is to improve outcomes for this population by connecting them to needed services through the Veterans Administration.  Services may include mental health treatment and therapy, substance abuse counseling, health care, employment/job training and housing assistance.

Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is a collaborative effort of the San Mateo County Court, District Attorney's Office, Private Defender Program, Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (BHRS), Veterans Administration (VA) and the Probation Department.   Participants are intensively supervised by Probation, expected to engage in services provided by the VA and are required to appear in court for monthly progress reviews. Additionally, each participant is assigned a Veteran mentor for support while in the program. If they complete VTC, participants may be eligible to have their fines reduced; their probation terminated early and/or have their charges expunged and record sealed.

Program eligibility criteria include:

  • Must have a prior or current membership in the United States Military and be eligible for Veterans Administration benefits
  • Must have a diagnosis of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), sexual trauma and/or substance abuse or other mental health issue that stems from military service. 
  • Must be eligible for probation and not considered to be a danger to the community.
  • Participation in VTC is voluntary and participants agree to additional probation conditions including progressive jail sanctioning at the discretion of the Probation Department for up to 10 days at any one time without the right to a court hearing or representation of an attorney should they violate VTC rules.  Defendants may also be ordered to wear an electronic monitoring device and agree to take prescribed medication.


The following applicants are not eligible for the program:

  • If, as a result of current or past criminal activity, the Veteran is either a sex or gang registrant (current or past history). 
  • If, as a result of the current offense, the victim suffered death, great bodily injury, permanent disability or disfigurement.
  • If discharged from the military as dishonorable. 


Program benefits include:

  • Case management services (including assistance linking clients to health care)
  • Probation supervision services
  • Housing plan and supportive services
  • Employment, education and/or community services support
  • Dual diagnosis treatment and recovery support
  • Psycho-educational/recovery services
  • Peer support/mentoring services
  • Pro-social activities and events
Frequently Asked Questions:

How can I refer myself or someone to VTC?


If you would like to make a referral you can complete VTC referral form and mail it to:

San Mateo County Probation
ATTN: Veterans Treatment Court
400 County Center, 5th Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063.  

You may also  send the form via facsimile to (650) 363-4829 ATTN: Veterans Treatment Court. 
You can also call (650)363-4244 and ask to speak with someone assigned to Veterans Treatment Court.

If you have questions about a court case, contact the San Mateo County Courts.
If you want to know which Deputy Probation Officer is assigned to your case, call (650) 363-4244.