Reno Reporter

The Reno Municipal Court will host the twelfth CAMO-RNO Veterans Court graduation on Tuesday, July 16 at 1:30 p.m. CAMO-RNO (Court Assisting Military Offenders in Reno) is a treatment court designed for veterans and active-duty military personnel charged with misdemeanor crimes. Nine graduates will be honored during the ceremony.

Hon. Shelly T. O’Neill will address attendees to emphasize the achievements of the graduates and the significance of the program. “In CAMO-RNO, we see the power of justice, compassion, and peer-support for our Veterans,” said Judge O’Neill. “We have done 12 of these graduation ceremonies and each one is special, unique, and powerful. I am so proud of the hard work of our graduates over the last several months.”

Since its inception in 2018, 72 veterans and active military personnel have graduated from CAMO-RNO, not including this year’s graduates.

CAMO-RNO collaborates with the Veteran Administration (VA) to provide treatment, counseling, and mentoring for northern Nevada’s soldiers. These programs assist veterans in connecting with resources outside the military and inform them about various benefits offered by the VA.

Reno Municipal CAMO-RNO is a diversionary specialty treatment court exclusively for veterans with misdemeanor offenses. Candidates are screened by the CAMO-RNO team and may be eligible for potential diversion and dismissal of charges upon successful completion of the program. Graduates can also join "Battle Born Battle Buddies," a newly established alumni group.

The Nevada Legislature created this opportunity for veterans through Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 176A.280 in 2017, allowing for treatment, possible diversion, and record sealing for eligible participants.

Additionally, legislation permits qualified defendants from outside jurisdictions to participate in CAMO-RNO programs if referred by rural courts lacking sufficient treatment options.

CAMO-RNO Veterans Court was established on October 9, 2018 after receiving a $277,237 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice in September 2018 and a $399,839 enhancement grant in October 2020.