Florida’s House voted 114-0 in April 2025 to pass House Bill 845. That’s unanimous support for legislation that streamlines how veterans access treatment courts across the state. Representative Patt Maney sponsored the bill. He’s a retired Army general who created Florida’s first veterans treatment court back in 2010, so he knows this system inside and out. The vote signals something important: Florida takes seriously its commitment to veterans facing criminal charges tied to service-related mental health conditions. For veterans dealing with trauma from their military service, including those who need a Florida military sexual trauma lawyer, this change removes barriers that previously kept some veterans from getting help. It eliminates a requirement that’s been causing problems for years. State attorneys no longer have to approve applications before veterans can participate in treatment court programs. Instead, judges make final eligibility decisions after consulting with interdisciplinary teams that include prosecutors, defense attorneys, treatment providers, and probation officers.
House Bill 845 also clears up confusion about timing. Courts can now admit veterans at any stage of criminal proceedings. Before trial? Yes. After pleading guilty? That works too. Judges get more flexibility to connect veterans with treatment when they need it most, not when bureaucratic processes allow it. Maney explained the bill’s purpose simply to his House colleagues: align veterans courts with procedures already working in other specialty courts like drug courts and mental health courts. As more Florida counties establish veterans treatment programs, standardizing the process just made sense.
How These Courts Actually Work
Veterans treatment courts don’t operate like traditional criminal proceedings. They’re non-adversarial, which is a fancy way of saying everyone’s working toward the same goal. The focus shifts from punishment to addressing why someone ended up in the system in the first place, especially when that reason connects to military service. Participants show up in court frequently. Every 30 to 45 days, typically. Judges review progress reports covering treatment attendance, drug test results, and overall compliance. You’re not just checking a box and disappearing. Veterans work with probation officers who monitor their progress throughout the entire program. Treatment services get tailored to what each person needs:
- Mental health counseling for PTSD, depression, and anxiety
- Substance abuse treatment programs
- Medication management when necessary
- Peer support groups led by other veterans who’ve been there
- Case management services to coordinate everything
Programs usually last 12 to 24 months. But that timeline isn’t set in stone. It depends on individual progress, which varies a lot from person to person. Successful completion can mean dismissed charges for those admitted through pretrial diversion. For those admitted post-plea, it can mean reduced sentences.
Why Service-Related Trauma Matters Here
Military sexual trauma leaves lasting psychological impacts. We’re talking about PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and other conditions that don’t just disappear when someone leaves the service. These conditions can contribute to behaviors that lead to criminal charges. Veterans treatment courts recognize this connection between service-related trauma and justice system involvement. Many veterans don’t even realize their mental health struggles connect to experiences during military service. Some develop coping mechanisms that include alcohol or drug use. Others struggle with anger issues, chronic insomnia, or can’t maintain relationships. These problems can escalate into situations involving law enforcement.
Treatment courts address these underlying conditions instead of just processing cases through the traditional system. Veterans get connected to VA resources and community treatment providers who actually understand military culture and service-related trauma. That understanding makes a difference. The VA offers specialized care for MST survivors. Individual counseling, group therapy, and couples counseling. Veterans don’t need documentation that assault or harassment occurred to receive MST-related care through the VA. Treatment courts can facilitate access to these services while still holding veterans accountable for their actions.
What Changed For Florida Veterans
Florida operates veterans treatment courts in multiple counties, from Pensacola down to Miami. The 2025 legislation makes the system more consistent and accessible statewide. Veterans no longer need prosecutor approval to apply, which removes a potential bottleneck that’s frustrated both veterans and judges. Eligibility still requires meeting specific criteria. Applicants must be veterans or active service members with honorable or general discharges. Charges typically need to stem from mental health issues or substance abuse related to military service. Violent felonies generally aren’t eligible, though there’s some discretion involved.
Courts maintain authority over admissions. Judges consider criminal history, victim input, amenability to treatment, and other factors. But removing the mandatory state attorney approval gives judges more room to make decisions based on individual circumstances rather than rigid procedural requirements. For veterans whose legal troubles connect to unresolved trauma from military service, treatment courts offer a path forward that traditional prosecution simply doesn’t provide. The program addresses both accountability and healing, which isn’t an either-or proposition. Glover Luck LLP works with Florida veterans dealing with legal matters connected to military service, including those facing criminal charges related to service-connected conditions. Whether you’re eligible for veterans treatment court or need help accessing VA benefits for trauma-related disabilities, understanding your options under Florida law matters. Legal guidance can help you pursue the best outcome for your situation while accessing the support and benefits you’ve earned through service.
