Glendale has launched the first municipal court in the West Valley to serve all active duty military and veterans, regardless of military discharge or length of service.

The idea behind veteran’s court is to identify and resolve underlying issues that may have led to misdemeanor charges. A veteran who volunteers to go through Glendale’s court will have services matched to their needs. That could mean weekly counseling, drug and alcohol testing, and treatment for physical and mental health.

Veterans who complete the program may have their sentences reduced or cases dismissed. The court began Oct. 1 at no additional cost to taxpayers, according to the city.

Phoenix, Mesa and other Arizona cities have similar courts. Glendale hopes to expand its program to eventually serve veterans from other West Valley cities the way Tempe’s court works with municipalities in the East Valley.