The Indianapolis Veterans Court (IVC) helps veterans with substance use and mental health disorders, get treatment and improve their quality of life. IVC is based on a problem-solving court model and diverts eligible veterans to a specialized criminal court docket.

To be military eligible, the individual must be actively serving, discharged, or retired from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Army or Air National Guard Component. Character of discharge includes Honorable, General under Honorable Conditions, and General under Other than Honorable Conditions.

If admitted, veterans voluntarily participate in a judicially supervised treatment plan. At regular review of progress hearings, conditions are reviewed for appropriateness, incentives are offered to reward compliance with court conditions, and graduated sanctions and/or service adjustments are implemented for non-compliance. 

IVC has a conditional deferment track and a post-conviction track.

Conditional Deferment Track:

IVC offers a conditional deferment program where veterans receive treatment and case management services for nine to twelve months depending on the offense level.

Veterans are required to attend court hearings, submit random drug screens twice a week, participate in treatment, attend case management appointments with their supervision officer and will be paired with a mentor while in the program. 

As veterans progress through the program, they are required to come to court less and must show progress on criminogenic needs such as work, and education and move toward pro-social activities required for graduation.

Those who complete the program earn a dismissal of all charges.

Eligibility Requirements:

• A felony conviction that is a Level 5, Level 6 and Class A, B, and C misdemeanors

• Substance use and/or mental health diagnosis

• Designated as moderate to high risk to re-offend using the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS) 

• Approval from Prosecutor and victim(s)

• Must be able to make a factual basis

The following offenses are not eligible:

• Conditional deferment is prohibited when the offense involves death or serious bodily injury;

• The participant has a record of at least two forcible felony convictions;

• Other criminal proceedings, not arising out of the same incident, alleging the commission of a felony are pending;

• The participant is on probation or parole and does not have the consent of the appropriate probation or parole authority;

• The participant fails to meet additional eligibility requirements imposed by the court.

In addition to the statutory eligibility restrictions, the policy of the Prosecutor's Office prohibits the offering of conditional deferment in felony gun cases, stalking, sex offenses, and in cases where the alleged victim is opposed to conditional deferment. Referrals with prior dealing convictions will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Post-Conviction Track:

Veterans will participate in treatment and case management services for a minimum of twelve months and a maximum of three years.

Like the conditional deferment track, veterans are required to attend court hearings, submit random drug screens twice a week, participate in treatment, attend case management appointments with their supervision officer, and be paired with a mentor while in the program.

As veterans progress through the program, they are required to come to court less and must show progress on criminogenic needs such as work, and education and move toward pro-social activities required for graduation.

Those who complete the program avoid revocation and additional jail time or the specific disposition on the original plea.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Felony conviction that is a Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, and/or Level 6

• Substance use and/or mental health diagnosis

• Designated as moderate to high risk to re-offend using the Indiana Risk Assessment System (IRAS)

• Must be in violation or at risk of violation

• Sentence must be at least 365 actual days

• If less than 365 days left on the probation sentence, the veteran would have to agree to extend

The following offenses are not eligible:

• Sex offenses

• Offenses that resulted, by conviction, in serious bodily injury or death to another

• Offenses that are a Level 2 and a history of firearm violence convictions (exception: Carrying a Handgun Without a License)

• Dealing cases

To make a referral or request more information please contact:

Lyndsay Connor

Phone: 317.327.7853

Email: lyndsay.connor@indy.gov

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