Expert Solutions for Challenging Problems

---

Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) programs are critical resources for justice-involved veterans, offering alternatives to incarceration and pathways to rehabilitation. However, too many veterans are unfairly denied participation due to eligibility misunderstandings, misapplications of the law, or systemic biases. These denials often go unchallenged, leaving veterans without the support they need and perpetuating cycles of criminal justice involvement. The lack of legal advocacy and clear processes to appeal these decisions further exacerbates the problem, creating barriers to justice for those who have served our country.

The Stella Program exists to address these challenges head-on. As part of the Texas Center for Justice-Involved Research, the program leverages data-driven insights, legal expertise, and advocacy to identify and challenge unjust VTC denials. Our platform empowers attorneys and advocates to better understand eligibility standards, build strong cases for program admission, and ensure that veterans have a fair opportunity to access life-changing court programs. Through education, research, and collaboration, we are committed to creating systemic change for justice-involved veterans across Texas.

Challenging unfair denials requires more than advocacy—it requires strategic legal action. The Stella Program is a “Second Look” initiative dedicated to pursuing targeted habeas corpus litigation to address systemic barriers and set legal precedents that protect veterans' rights. By focusing on cases where veterans have been unjustly excluded from VTC participation, we aim to establish clearer eligibility standards and accountability mechanisms. Our strategic litigation efforts are designed to not only secure justice for individual veterans but also to create long-term reform within Texas Specialty Court programs.