Veterans Treatment Court

The Johnson County Veterans Treatment Court (“VTC”) is a program for Justice Involved Veterans who are charged with criminal offenses in Johnson County District Court that offers supervised treatment and supportive services as an alternative to incarceration. As part of VTC, the DA’s Office offers VTC Diversion, which is intended to give a “second chance” to veterans who have committed criminal offenses which are, in part, the “result of an injury, including major depressive disorder, polytrauma, post-traumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury, connected to service in a combat zone, as defined in section 112 of the federal internal revenue code of 1986, in the armed forces of the United States of America.”

In order to be qualify for VTC Diversion, a defendant must have served in the armed forces of the United States of America and: 1) live in the state of Kansas and be eligible to receive benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or 2) be a resident of Johnson County, Kansas. Further eligibility criteria may be found in the Johnson County District Attorney VTC Diversion Policy. Diversion is a privilege and not a right. There is no guarantee diversion will be granted in any given case. The needs of the offender are less important than those of public safety and the rights of the victim(s).

In determining whether to grant diversion, the District Attorney will consider whether the defendant demonstrates a genuine sense of remorse and is prepared to acknowledge the act(s) charged and accountability for the consequences of their actions. Two assessments will be completed, and if the need for treatment has been determined, a formal conference with the Veteran and the VTC Diversion Chief will be scheduled to decide if the Veteran will be approved for VTC Diversion.

The diversion application fee is due upon submission of the application. We accept the following forms of payment: exact cash, money order, or credit/debit card. Acceptance of the application will be based upon the current diversion policy.

If you have further questions about the Veterans Treatment Court Diversion, you may contact our office at (913) 715-3114.