Several veterans have graduated from the Greater Prince William Veterans Treatment Docket, a program aimed at helping veterans in the criminal justice system avoid jail and rebuild their lives.
“This program is not easy. It’s a lot of work,” said Judge Wallace Covington, who presided over the graduation ceremony at Prince William General District Court.
The treatment docket addresses issues such as substance abuse that can contribute to veterans’ involvement with the justice system. The program lasts more than 12 months and requires participants to attend classes, meetings, regular drug testing, and routine court appearances. Those who complete the program may qualify for reduced or dismissed sentences.
Judge William E. Jarvis, who previously led the docket before joining Prince William Circuit Court, spoke during the event. He noted that none of those who completed the program have returned to the justice system.
“It’s a valuable program that has been fabulously successful,” Jarvis said. “Since we started this, everyone who graduated has not come back into the system. We have zero recidivism. That is a testament, I think, to the idea that if we took this model and applied it to citizens generally, we could do some good. This is something that members of the community should be applauding because this works. It’s worked from the very beginning. It’s a model for what we need to do in the future.”
The veterans docket began in 2019 and is managed by Prince William Criminal Justice Services along with Prince William Community Services. Other partners include the Prince William Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, public defenders, probation officers, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Justice Outreach Program and Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
Graduate Darryck Smith expressed gratitude for his experience in front of attendees.
“I thank so many people who had my back,” Smith said. “It’s been an incredible journey, but the journey is not over because I’m still breathing. I will say this, I have learned a lot. I sacrificed a lot in the service. What I had to sacrifice this time was my time, and I realized I don’t have time to sacrifice my time.”
Other graduates recognized at the ceremony included Darius Calloway, David Fies and William Wilder.
In 2019, local courts were given authority by Virginia’s Supreme Court to create veterans dockets like this one across Virginia counties in order to link eligible veterans with support services through state agencies and federal programs such as those offered by U.S Department of Veterans Affairs and Virginia Department of Veterans Services.
“This program gives veterans a real path forward,” said Christopher Mayers, Veterans Docket Coordinator. “When participants get the support, structure and services they need, they’re able to rebuild stability in their lives, reconnect with their families and contribute positively to the community. The success we see isn’t just personal — it makes our whole community stronger.”
Veterans facing charges within Prince William District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court can seek entry into this voluntary program by contacting coordinator Christopher Mayers or completing a referral form on county resources online.
Mentors also play an active role on behalf of participating veterans throughout their recovery process by sharing advice based on personal experience; those interested can learn about volunteer opportunities on the county website.
