On November 12, 2024, the District Court in Baltimore City launched the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court. This new initiative aims to expand services to veterans across Baltimore City and County, as well as Carroll, Harford, and Howard counties. The court offers a comprehensive treatment-based program for justice-involved veterans facing misdemeanor charges.
The launch coincided with a celebration of six veterans who recently completed the program. Established in 2015 under U.S. Army Veteran and Senior District Court Judge Halee F. Weinstein, the program currently supports 25 veterans and has seen 117 graduates since its inception.
Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader expressed gratitude towards various stakeholders: “I thank Governor Wes Moore, our justice and community partners, judges, and court leadership and staff, for their support and vision to serve through this vital community resource.”
Governor Wes Moore highlighted the importance of supporting veterans: “Today’s launch of the Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court is guided by that mindset,” he said. “Together, we are delivering critical services to veterans in central Maryland who need and deserve our support.”
The court represents Maryland's third multi-county veterans treatment court and fourth multi-county problem-solving court. It focuses on providing intensive treatment for former military members dealing with issues such as PTSD or substance use disorders. The goal is to reduce recidivism while connecting participants to benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Chief Judge John P. Morrissey commended Judge Weinstein's efforts: “Judge Weinstein and her team have done a tremendous job over the years.” He also acknowledged the collaboration among justice partners involved in this initiative.
Judge Halee F. Weinstein remarked on expanding access: “The expansion...into a regional model provides justice-involved veterans from four additional counties access to a Veterans Treatment Court.”
Effective immediately, eligible veterans can be referred by district courts across participating counties based on specific criteria related to their military service and charges faced.
Key partners include United Way of Central Maryland; United States Department of Veterans Affairs; Warrior Canine Connection; State’s Attorney’s Offices for Baltimore City/County plus Carroll/Harford/Howard Counties; Public Defender offices across these regions; University of Baltimore School Law among others.
Franklyn Baker from United Way emphasized ongoing commitment: “United Way...is committed to help in fight for those who have fought for our country...this program supports returning productive citizens reducing recidivism costs.”