accountability court

Accountability Courts provide alternative ways for criminal offenders to resolve their cases. Retired State Court Judge Sidney R. Esary began the Spalding County Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court in 2017. This program has helped numerous veterans and people with mental illnesses receive treatment and resolve their criminal cases without a conviction on their criminal record. The Spalding County Solicitor General’s Office is committed to the continued growth and success of our Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court.

The Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court requires participants to attend individual and group counseling, participate in self-help projects, submit to random drug and alcohol screens and complete other requirements based on the individual’s specific needs.

Applicants to the Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court must:
     1. Have pending misdemeanor charges in Spalding County;
     2. Have received an honorable or less than honorable military discharge and/or have a diagnosed mental illness;
     3. Have a stable residence in Spalding County; an
     4. Have sufficient emotional stability and mental and intellectual capacity to complete program requirements.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE VETERAN'S/MENTAL HEALTH TREATMENT COURT APPLICATION

The minimum criteria set forth above do not guarantee acceptance into the Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court and applications are reviewed by the Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court team on a case by case basis. Factors such as past criminal behavior, the nature of the current offense and the consent of the crime victim, if any, are also taken into consideration in determining acceptance.  

If you believe that you are a good candidate for the Veterans and Mental Health Treatment Court, please contact:
‍
Leslie Heffron
Court Coordinator
(770) 467-8824
lheffron@vbj4.com