Veterans Court Alternative Program

What is Veterans Court Alternative Program (VCAP)?

The Veteran’s Court Alternative Program (VCAP) is a diversionary program designed for defendants accused of non-violent crimes who are veterans of the Armed Forces and suffer from service related ailments. The program allows veterans to be diverted from prosecution and enter into a program consisting of counseling, education, peer support, community service, drug testing, and community treatment. Successful completion of VCAP will allow for the reduction or dismissal of some or all of the charges as agreed upon by the prosecution and defense.

Who is Eligible for VCAP?

• Applicants can be any person who served in the Armed Forces charged with a non-violent crime.
• Veteran was honorably discharged from service.
• Veteran is likely to respond quickly to the court’s requirements, rehabilitation treatment and the requirements of VCAP
• Veteran has no significant prior criminal history
• Applications must originate with the York County Pre-Trial Intervention Office.
• Approval must be obtained by the Solicitor’s Office in order to apply for the program.

How Does VCAP work?

  • Application:
    • Applicants must be referred by defense attorney, magistrate/municipal court, or the solicitor’s office. Once referred the applicant will need to contact the Pre-Trial Intervention office to fill out an application for VCAP. Applicant will need to bring the following Items to the appointment.
      • Driver’s License
      • Social Security Card
      • Tickets/Warrants
      • DD214 (Must be honorable discharge)
      • $50 Application Fee (Money Order)
  • Investigation/Approval:
    • Assigned Solicitor will review application for approval. If case is approved for the VCAP program they are referred to the VCAP Coordinator and the York County, VA.
      Participants will be referred to the VA to confirm VA benefits. If accepted into VCAP, the VA will ensure he/she is receiving all military benefits entitled by law.
  • Participation Requirements:
    • The defendant will participate in counseling determined by the assessment, considering victim safety and MDT input, as well as attend face-to-face meetings with the case coordinator. Participants must adhere to bond conditions, relinquish firearms, and remain drug-free unless prescribed.

PROGRAM FEES:

Application Fee: $50
Participation Fee: $250
Expungement Fee: $250
Clerk Fee: $35
Drug Test $15/per

Restitution:

If the defendant owes restitution, the amount will be determined and a payment plan developed prior to being accepted into the VCAP.

REFERRAL FORM for VCAP PROGRAM

  • Must be made by a Solicitor to the court after confirming the safety, and approval of the victim.
    • This Referral Form may be submitted by a defense attorney but is subject to Solicitor approval.
  • Please mail or email the completed form to the Solicitor on the case.

VCAP Referral Form

 

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