Veterans Court

Assistant District Attorney Derek Richmond oversees Veterans Court, a grant-funded, multidisciplinary program dedicated to supporting justice-involved veterans struggling with mental health and/or substance use disorders. The court provides a structured, rehabilitative alternative to traditional prosecution by bringing together judges, attorneys, treatment providers, and veteran mentors. Participants commit to accountability while receiving treatment, counseling, and peer support. The collaborative nature of the court fosters a strong sense of community, allowing veterans to support one another through shared experience. Through this model, Veterans Court seeks to promote recovery, reduce recidivism, and honor the service of those who have served our country.

Program Goals

  • Connect all veteran participants with eligible VA benefits, treatment, and veteran-specific support services.
  • Reduce the use of incarceration to address the criminal conduct of veterans by diverting all participants from prison to the community.
  • Reduce post-program recidivism by not less than 50%.
  • Ensure all participants access to treatment and services to meet their individual needs.
  • Assist all veterans in the program in reestablishing themselves as productive members of their communities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be 18 years or older;
  • Been discharged from a branch of the United States Military;
  • Applying on charges or a violation pending in Northampton County;
  • Criminal history is devoid of any disqualifying offense;
  • Enter into the program knowingly and voluntarily;
  • Be competent and willing to engage with treatment and supervision. An applicant may be required to undergo a competency evaluation at the direction of the Court.

Disqualifying Offenses

Applicants are not eligible if current charges or prior record includes:

  • Murder or Manslaughter;
  • Felony sex offenses;
  • Unresolved out-of-county charges;
  • Violent offenses committed with a firearm;
  • Other charges deemed by the Court to present an unreasonable risk to society.

Application Proccess

Interested individuals or their attorneys must complete and submit an application, available on the  Criminal Forms section of the Northampton County Cout of Common Pleas website.

Submission Instructions

  • Hand-delivery to Court Administration, or
  • Electronically to Judicial Secretary Sandra Pascoe at spascoe@norcopa.gov.

The Coordinator will notify legal counsel if the application is accepted and schedule the applicant to appear before the Court for admission.

Note: Every component of the application packet must be fully completed before consideration. Incomplete applications will be returned.