The Seventh Judicial Circuit Court is set to host a graduation ceremony for participants of the Pennington County Veterans Court program. This event, scheduled for Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. MST, will take place in Courtroom C9 at the Pennington County Courthouse in Rapid City. The ceremony will be accessible to the public and media and streamed online for those unable to attend.
Pennington County Veterans Court offers a rehabilitative approach tailored for veterans involved with the criminal justice system due to substance use or mental health disorders. The court partners with various stakeholders, including treatment providers, probation officers, defense attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officials, and judges. Together they provide personalized treatment and support services aimed at preventing recidivism among veterans.
These types of treatment courts—including veterans court—are part of a broader strategy to address substance misuse and mental health issues while reducing repeat offenses and saving taxpayer money. By offering supervision and support instead of prison time, these courts aim to foster stability and recovery in participants' lives.
For further information on this initiative or details about attending the graduation ceremony, contact Pennington County Veterans Court Coordinator Ashlee May at 605-394-2595 ext. 1223 or via email at Ashlee.May@ujs.state.sd.us.