A Veterans Treatment Court Graduation and Promotion Celebration will take place on Wednesday, January 7, at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 8C, 8th floor, of the Regional Justice Center at 200 Lewis Ave. in downtown Las Vegas. Veterans Treatment Court graduate, Jessica Alip will deliver the keynote address.

“Many veterans return from their military service with difficulty transitioning to civilian life,” said Judge Harmony Letizia. “These men and women face significant obstacles upon their return home. Our program participants are working hard to regain control of their lives.”

More than half of the 2.6 million veterans deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan return with mental health conditions related to their service. One in six struggles with addiction; one in five has PTSD. Left untreated, these issues make it difficult to adjust to everyday life after they return and can lead to unemployment, homelessness, and arrest. Currently, approximately 700,000 veterans are in the criminal justice system nationwide, many arrested for charges directly stemming from untreated trauma, addiction, or mental illness.

The Veterans Treatment Court provides a vital alternative to incarceration, offering structured treatment, accountability and structure while connecting veterans to the services and benefits they have earned through their service.

To progress and graduate from Veterans Treatment Court, participants must complete comprehensive treatment sessions, attend all required counseling sessions and appointments, develop goals for their future, establish stable housing, achieve financial stability, and maintain sobriety for a minimum of 90 days prior to graduation.

Judge Harmony Letizia was appointed to preside over Veterans Treatment Court in March 2018 by then-Chief Judge Joe Bonaventure. Prior to her judicial election, Judge Letizia served as a Public Defender representing numerous veterans participating in the Veterans Treatment Court Program, giving her unique insight into the challenges veterans face.

The graduation ceremony is free and open to the public. All community members are encouraged to attend and show their support for these veterans who have worked diligently to overcome significant challenges.