In 2014, Deputy District Attorney Chris Carlson approached Judge David Abbott about creating a Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) in Sacramento County. VTC is a program where veterans charged with eligible crimes receive treatment through Veterans Affairs rather than jail time.
The Sacramento County VTC is comprised of Judge Lawrence Brown, defense attorneys, prosecutors, probation, a veterans justice outreach specialist, and mentors. The team works together to aid veterans and provide treatment for underlying issues caused by military service, which led them to be involved in the criminal justice system. The VTC is unique in its use of mentors, all of whom served in the same branch of military service as the program participants. These mentors can empathize with VTC participants and guide them through the program. Several mentors are also VTC graduates.
More than 200 veterans have participated in the program, with 171 graduates to date. Graduate Eric Carr had this to say about the program:
"I am a 9-year Army veteran with two combat tours to Iraq. Veterans Treatment Court and the individuals involved literally saved my life. I was struggling with a serious heroin addiction which in return involved a lot of legal issues. Because of Veterans Court I now have turned my life around. From being homeless and helpless to being a productive member of society. I have a new purpose of giving back to Veterans in need. I have worked my way up in the substance abuse and mental health industry from being a substance use disorder counselor intern, to now the VA Operations Manager at Diamond House Treatment in just 4 years. Without Veterans Court I would be in prison or dead. I thank all the hard-working people that helped me get to where I am today and will be forever grateful for Veterans Court. "
Sadly, Deputy District Attorney Chris Carlson passed away earlier this year and is not able to see the 10-year milestone of the program he helped create.
Chris will be honored at a celebration to mark 10 years of the VTC at the 175th graduation ceremony.
Media who would like to cover the graduation will need to contact the court PIO and follow the standard media request process.
WHEN: Friday, July 19, 2024 - 1:30 p.m.
WHERE: Sacramento Superior Court (720 9th St.) - Department 8
Sacramento District Attorney's Office