Multnomah County Launches Veterans Treatment Court for Justice-Involved Veterans

Multnomah County has launched a new Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) to address the specific needs of military veterans involved in the criminal justice system, focusing on treatment, accountability, and support rather than incarceration. The program, a result of years of planning and collaboration, is led by Judge Christopher Ramras, an Air Force veteran, and includes staff with military backgrounds to ensure an empathetic and informed approach. The VTC aims to tackle root causes of criminal behavior among veterans—such as untreated trauma, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges—by offering structured, treatment-based supervision. Participation in the program can lead to reduced charges upon successful completion, while failure may result in standard sentencing. Stakeholders emphasize that the court honors both victims and veterans, improves public safety, and is a cost-effective way to reduce recidivism compared to traditional incarceration. The initiative is seen as a tangible way to transform gratitude for veterans' service into meaningful support.