Queens honors innovative court program for veterans in need
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Judges, attorneys and court officers assigned to the Queens Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court attended a special event marking the court’s official opening Wednesday. Eagle photos by Christina Santucci.
By David Brand
A court system bagpipe corps filled the Queens Criminal Courthouse with powerful military standards Wednesday as more than 100 local leaders, court personnel and service members celebrated the successful implementation of an innovative program for veterans caught up in the criminal justice system.
The event recognized the 11-month-old Queens Misdemeanor Veterans Treatment Court, which connects military veterans charged with certain misdemeanors to supportive services, including substance use treatment and mental health care.
“Plenty of people died on the battlefield. It’s our turn to fight for them,” said Hon. Sherry Klein Heitler, chief of policy and planning for New York State Courts. She was one of several speakers who honored the commitment of servicemen and women — as well as the stakeholders who step up to assist veterans through the QMVTC.
District Attorney-elect Melinda Katz said she is “acutely aware” that her children sleep safely at night because of the sacrifices of veterans. Katz, the current borough president, said her job as DA will include “making sure veterans know how much we value them” and addressing the unique issues they face.
From left, Queens Supreme Court Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Douglas Knight, director of Alternative Sentencing for the Queens DA’s Office.
Presiding Judges Scott Dunn and Jeffrey Gershuny, both military veterans, lead the court, which has served roughly 100 people since it began in December 2018. Dozens of veterans, including some who have benefited from the program, attended the ceremony.
“This is a celebration of the veterans who have gone through QMVTC and are now living successful lives,” Dunn said.
Queens County has the highest veteran population in New York City, Gershuny noted, and many are “in dire need of help.”
“We have the resources and the means now more than ever to provide treatment and counseling to get them off the street and living productive lives,” he said. “QMVTC is and will continue to be a success.”
Queens Criminal Court Supervising Judge Michelle Johnson (center) with her family members Sherwin and Graciela Johnson. Sherwin Johnson is an Air Force veteran.
The program is based on a three-phase model known as the “3Cs” — commitment, courage and confidence, each phase acknowledged by a new set of colored dog tags. Queens implemented a similar felony court for veterans in 2010.
To participate in the QMVTC, defendants must be veterans charged with certain misdemeanors, and they may be required to enter into a conditional plea agreement. Participants receive a case manager and a peer mentor who works with them throughout the program.
After completing the program, veterans receives an honorary certificate during a “send-off salute.”
The court is one of 36 similar veterans courts around the state. It is also an example of the various “problem-solving courts” in Queens and around the city that are designed to help justice-involved individuals access services that could address issues such as substance abuse treatment and mental healthcare, said Queens Country Criminal Court Supervising Judge Michelle Johnson, the daughter of a veteran.
Senior Executive Assistant District Attorney James Quinn (left) and Queens District Attorney John Ryan helped develop the court, roughly eight years after implementing a similar felony court for veterans.
The GMVTC fulfills a mission for “developing meaningful alternatives to incarceration that will treat the root” of criminal acts, she said.
“We often meet people under the worst circumstances of their lives … but my colleagues understand that our job requires more than just implementing the laws of the state of New York, we hope to impact and change lives,” she said.
Judge Tamiko Amaker, the administrative judge for New York City Criminal Court, Amaker said the court’s “very supportive environment” helps veterans access necessary services, especially related to homelessness.
“Our veterans are willing to give their lives so that we can enjoy the fruits of democracy,” Amaker said. “Unfortunately the stress of military service can takes it toll and force service members to stray from their path.”
