Prince William Veterans Docket Continues Successful Path with New Graduates

Several veterans recently graduated from the Greater Prince William Veterans Treatment Docket, a program that offers veterans involved in the criminal justice system an opportunity to turn their lives around and avoid jail time. 

“This program is not easy. It’s a lot of work,” said Judge Wallace Covington, who presided over the graduation in Prince William General District Court.  

The problem-solving docket is designed to address issues that can lead veterans into the justice system, including substance abuse. The program typically takes more than 12 months to complete and requires classes, meetings, regular drug testing and routine court appearances. Veterans who successfully finish the program may be eligible for reduced or dismissed sentences. 

Judge William E. Jarvis, who led the program until his recent elevation to Prince William Circuit Court, told the audience during his keynote remarks that none of the graduates 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, started in 2019, is managed by Prince William Criminal Justice Services and Prince William Community Services in collaboration with the Prince William Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, public defenders, probation officers, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Veterans Justice Outreach Program and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services.  

Darryck Smith, a recent program graduate, thanked Jarvis and the team for his success. 

“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.”  

Program graduates Darius Calloway, David Fies and William Wilder joined Smith at the ceremony.  

The Virginia Supreme Court authorized local court systems to establish veterans dockets in 2019. The Greater Prince William Veterans Treatment Docket connects participants with services offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to support their recovery and help them achieve better legal outcomes. 

“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 in Prince William District Court or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court who wish to enter the docket may contact Veterans Docket Coordinator Christopher Mayers at 571-383-1209 or complete a referral form. Participation in the docket is voluntary.   

The docket team includes mentors who support participating veterans throughout the program by sharing their experiences and offering guidance. To join the Veteran Mentor Team, visit the volunteer job posting on the county’s website.