Category 1: Building a Customer-Focused Culture
CENTRAL MARYLAND REGIONAL VETERANS TREATMENT COURT
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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Halee Weinstein
Senior Judge, District Court of Maryland
Patricia Deros
Assistant State's Attorney,
Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office
Charles Weiner
Assistant Public Defender,
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Aaron Dalton
Assistant Public Defender,
Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Jovanni Mooring
Veterans Justice Outreach Specialist,
Department of Veterans Administration
Angel Davis-Burke
Probation Agent,
Maryland Department of Public Safety and
Correctional Services
Brandi Smith
Claims Specialist,
Department of Veterans Administration
Valeree Tolios
Director of Court Programs,
United Way of Central Maryland
Justin McNabb
Lead Mentor Coordinator and Data Manager
Carrie McGinn
Case Manager
The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is being recognized in Category 1: Building a Customer-Focused Culture for its outstanding efforts to serve justice-involved veterans through a compassionate, coordinated, and community-based approach.
The Central Maryland Regional Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is a voluntary, treatment-focused program that serves justice-involved veterans charged with misdemeanor offenses. Originally launched in Baltimore City in 2015 under the leadership of Judge Halee F. Weinstein, the court expanded in 2024 to become a regional initiative serving Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Howard County, and Harford County. Open to all veterans regardless of VA benefit eligibility, the VTC addresses the root causes of justice involvement, such as mental health issues, substance use, unemployment, and housing instability.
This problem-solving court brings together a multidisciplinary team, including judges, attorneys, case managers, probation agents, VA representatives, and social workers, alongside community partners like the United Way of Central Maryland. Since its founding, the VTC has enrolled 343 veterans, with 218 successful graduates and dozens more currently participating.
By offering coordinated treatment plans and access to critical services, the VTC helps veterans regain stability and reintegrate as productive, law-abiding citizens. A key innovation of the program is its flexible Financial Assistance Fund, which supports veterans facing emergencies like eviction, utility shut-offs, or car repairs, and helps fund career development and treatment-related costs. Another standout feature is its mentorship program, volunteer veteran mentors serve as “battle buddies,” offering peer support, accountability, and guidance throughout the process.
Through compassion, coordination, and community engagement, the Central Maryland VTC not only transforms lives but also strengthens public safety and reduces recidivism - building a culture that puts veterans and service at the center.