Specialty courts encourage disposition of criminal cases to reduce incarceration rates and allow offenders to get the help they need without the stigma of a criminal conviction.
The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the Chief Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, operates “hub” courts for the adjudication of appropriate cases where the defendants are suffering from substance abuse disorders. Designating City Courts as “hub courts” allows Village and Town Justices to transfer cases to a drug treatment court where defendants will receive substance abuse treatment and supportive services to promote long-term recovery.
Launched in June 2021 in partnership with the City Court of Mount Vernon, the Legal Aid Society and the Youth Shelter of Westchester, EAJP provides meaningful alternatives to conventional prosecution and incarceration for 18- to 25-year-old individuals. The program connects participants to services, resources and opportunities, promotes healing to avoid re-offending, and strengthens public trust in the criminal justice system.
Mental Health Courts offer eligible individuals community-based mental health treatment and services as an alternative to conventional prosecution and incarceration. The voluntary programs provide treatment plans that are tailored to each participant’s needs; for misdemeanors, the recently-launched Westchester Mental Wellness Court, operating out of White Plains City Court, offers a range of mental health services as well as substance abuse treatment, housing assistance, education assistance and job training.
Veterans Court, established by the Chief Administrative Judge of the Ninth Judicial District, is open to any criminal defendant who has served in the United States military. At the request of defense counsel, the defendant may be evaluated and, if they are a candidate for diversion, the case is transferred to Veterans Court. A treatment plan is then created for the participant and they are assigned to a volunteer veteran mentor. The program recognizes that the behavior that resulted in criminal charges may stem from a traumatic period in the military. The program’s objective is to provide the necessary services to help make a smoother transition to civilian life and avoid the stigma of a criminal conviction.