AUSTIN, Texas — Right On Crime (ROC), a national criminal justice organization released Serving Country & Serving Time, a new research paper authored by ROC Directors Maggie Horzempa and Joey Comley. The study examines the growing crisis of American veterans entering the criminal justice system due to service-related trauma and conditions.

The report finds that far too many veterans are encountering the justice system as a direct result of issues such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance use disorder, and moral injury. These service-connected challenges, the authors argue, demand a firm, principled, and coordinated response from policymakers.

“This important evidenced-based research underscores the success of Veterans’ Treatment Courts (VTC’s) which uphold the rule of law while giving veterans a structured path to redemption,” said Brett Tolman, ROC Executive Director and former U.S. Attorney.  “When a veteran struggles to reintegrate into society, treatment and programming over punishment is not leniency—it is a path to responsibility, restoration, and safer communities.”

Modeled after drug and mental health courts, VTCs pair accountability with treatment—ensuring veterans confront the consequences of their actions while receiving support for the underlying causes stemming from trauma experienced in service.

“From Buffalo’s first VTC in 2008 to programs across states with major military communities like North Carolina, we’ve seen this model succeed again and again,” said Maggie Horzempa, research co-author and Right On Crime’s North Carolina Director. “When courts, community partners, and law enforcement work together, veterans are held accountable while receiving the care that leads to stronger families and safer communities.”

Serving Country & Serving Time reveals sharp differences between states, including conflicting eligibility standards, fragmented identification systems, and limited coordination between federal and state resources.

“Support for our veterans is a politically unifying endeavor. However, despite resounding successes in VTC’s across America, legislators have remained hesitant to become part of the Veteran’s Justice Solution,” said Joey Comley, research co-author and Right On Crime’s Kentucky Director. “The time for that to change is now. Americans owe our veterans a path that is firm, consistent, and worthy of their sacrifice.”

The research highlights:
• Reduced recidivism among VTC participants
• Improved housing stability and access to benefits
• Lower reliance on costly incarceration
• Stronger family and safer community outcomes

Right On Crime urges state legislatures to pursue a Veterans Justice Act, a statewide framework that standardizes veteran identification, eligibility, reporting requirements, and coordination with federal partners.

Right On Crime, a national conservative criminal justice initiative of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, emphasizes less crime, fewer victims, and safer communities. To request interviews or for more information, go to www.rightoncrime.com