Hiring Our Heroes - Dallas
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to Dallas-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
Veteran Legal Resources in Texas
Texas veteran legal resources including veterans treatment courts, Texas Veterans Commission legal services, military discharge upgrades, family law, and legal aid for Texas veterans.
Texas provides extensive legal protections and resources for veterans, including one of the nation's largest veterans treatment court networks, free legal assistance through multiple organizations, and strong state-level protections for service members and their families. Whether you're dealing with criminal charges, family law issues, discharge upgrades, or consumer protection matters, Texas has dedicated legal resources for veterans.
This guide covers every major legal resource available to Texas veterans, from veterans treatment courts and the Texas Veterans Commission's legal referral network to military discharge upgrades, SCRA protections, and free legal clinics across the state.
Texas Veterans Treatment Courts
Overview
Texas is a national leader in veterans treatment courts, with over 30 operating across the state. Established under Texas Government Code Chapter 124, these courts provide an alternative to traditional criminal prosecution for veterans whose offenses are connected to military service-related conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, or military sexual trauma.
Veterans treatment courts combine judicial supervision with VA treatment, mentoring from fellow veterans, and supportive services. Successful completion can result in dismissed charges, reduced sentences, or expunged records depending on the jurisdiction.
Major Texas Veterans Courts
- Harris County (Houston) — one of the largest veterans treatment courts in the nation
- Bexar County (San Antonio) — pioneering veterans court with comprehensive services
- Dallas County — serving North Texas veterans with integrated VA partnerships
- Tarrant County (Fort Worth) — robust program with high graduation rates
- Travis County (Austin) — serving Central Texas veterans
- El Paso County — serving veterans near Fort Bliss
Eligibility
Generally, veterans treatment courts in Texas accept veterans and active-duty service members charged with misdemeanors or certain non-violent felonies who have a military service-related mental health condition or substance use disorder. Each court sets its own specific eligibility criteria. Contact the court in your county or ask your attorney about referral.
Free Legal Assistance
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid — Veterans Project
Texas RioGrande Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income veterans across South and West Texas. Services include assistance with VA benefits appeals, discharge upgrades, family law, housing disputes, consumer protection, and public benefits. Contact (956) 996-8752 or visit trla.org.
Lone Star Legal Aid
Serving veterans in East and Southeast Texas, Lone Star Legal Aid provides free civil legal representation for income-eligible veterans in areas including housing, family law, consumer rights, and benefits appeals. Call 1-800-733-8394 for intake.
Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans
Organized by the State Bar of Texas, this pro bono program connects veterans with volunteer attorneys who provide free legal assistance on civil matters including family law, landlord-tenant disputes, consumer issues, wills and estates, and benefits claims. Contact the State Bar of Texas referral line at (800) 252-9690.
Texas Veterans Legal Aid Clinics
Several Texas law schools, including the University of Texas, South Texas College of Law Houston, and Texas Tech University, operate legal clinics providing free legal services to veterans. These clinics handle discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law matters, and other civil legal issues.
Military Discharge Upgrades
Veterans with less-than-honorable discharges may petition their branch's Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records for an upgrade. A discharge upgrade can restore eligibility for VA benefits, GI Bill, and other veteran programs. Texas legal aid organizations and law school clinics can provide free assistance with discharge upgrade petitions.
The Department of Defense has issued liberal consideration guidance for discharge upgrades related to PTSD, TBI, MST, and sexual orientation. Contact the Texas Veterans Commission or a legal aid organization for referral to a discharge upgrade attorney.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
The SCRA provides federal protections for active-duty service members including interest rate caps at 6% on pre-service debts, protection from eviction, the right to terminate certain leases and contracts, and a stay of civil court proceedings. Texas also has state-level military protections under the Texas Military Forces Code covering employment, housing, and family law matters for deployed service members.
Family Law & Custody
Texas family law provides specific protections for military families. Military parents cannot be penalized in custody proceedings solely because of deployment or military service. Texas courts can issue temporary custody orders during deployment that revert when the service member returns. Free legal assistance for military family law issues is available through legal aid organizations and military legal assistance offices at Texas bases.
Legal Resources in Texas
El Paso Vet Center
TXCommunity-based VA Vet Center serving El Paso area combat veterans and their families with free counseling, readjustment services, and bereavement support. Vet Centers are independent of VA medical facilities and confidential.
Dallas Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Dallas, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Houston Veterans Treatment Court
TXVeterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Houston veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Killeen HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless Killeen veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Corpus Christi Public Housing Authority - Veteran Voucher Intake
TXPublic Housing Authorities (PHAs) serving Corpus Christi, TX administer the Housing Choice Voucher used for HUD-VASH. Use HUD's official PHA contact list to find the right local PHA, request the veteran-priority waitlist, and confirm intake hours.
Dallas American Job Center - Veterans Services
TXDepartment of Labor American Job Center serving Dallas veterans. Priority of service, Local Veterans Employment Representative (LVER) and Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staffing, training referrals, and resume support.
San Antonio VA Benefits Office Locator
TXVA Regional Office and benefit-counselor lookup for veterans in San Antonio, TX. Confirm in-person hours, schedule a claims appointment, or find your nearest VBA benefits office.
Houston Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for Houston-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
San Antonio Veterans Legal Clinic
TXFree civil legal help for San Antonio-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Fort Worth County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Fort Worth area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
Student Veterans of America - Fort Worth Chapter
TXStudent Veterans of America (SVA) recognized chapters at colleges and universities in the Fort Worth area. SVA chapters provide peer support, advocacy, and connections to GI Bill, scholarship, and career resources.
San Antonio HUD-VASH Program
TXHUD-VASH (Housing & Urban Development - VA Supportive Housing) combines a Housing Choice Voucher with VA case management for homeless San Antonio veterans. Apply through the local public housing authority and your nearest VA medical center.
Houston County Veterans Service Office
TXAccredited county Veterans Service Officer for Houston area veterans. Free help filing VA disability, pension, dependency, and burial benefit claims. Walk-in and appointment hours vary by office; call before visiting.
2-1-1 Housing Help for Fort Worth Veterans
TXDial 2-1-1 or search 211.org for Fort Worth-area emergency shelter, rent and utility assistance, and homeless veteran outreach. Local 2-1-1 specialists screen for veteran-specific programs (HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD) and connect callers to the nearest intake point.
Hiring Our Heroes - San Antonio
TXU.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Hiring Our Heroes runs hiring fairs, employer fellowships, and corporate fellowship cohorts open to San Antonio-area transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses.
San Antonio Continuum of Care - Veteran Outreach
TXLocal HUD-funded Continuum of Care coordinated-entry intake for San Antonio-area veterans experiencing homelessness. CoCs route veterans to HUD-VASH, SSVF, GPD transitional housing, and local nonprofit partners.
Killeen Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving Killeen-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
VR&E (Chapter 31) Counselor - Austin
TXVocational Rehabilitation and Employment (Chapter 31, VR&E) services for service-connected Austin veterans pursuing employment, self-employment, or independent living. Tuition, fees, books, and a monthly subsistence allowance may be covered.
El Paso Veterans Upward Bound
TXDepartment of Education-funded TRIO Veterans Upward Bound program serving El Paso-area veterans. Free academic refresher courses, college application help, financial aid guidance, and transition support for postsecondary success.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Texas veterans treatment courts?
- Texas has over 30 veterans treatment courts that provide alternatives to traditional prosecution for veterans whose offenses relate to PTSD, TBI, substance abuse, or other service-connected conditions. Successful completion can result in dismissed or reduced charges. Contact your county court to see if a veterans court is available.
- How do I get free legal help as a veteran in Texas?
- Contact Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (956-996-8752), Lone Star Legal Aid (1-800-733-8394), or the State Bar of Texas referral line (800-252-9690) for Texas Lawyers for Texas Veterans. Several Texas law schools also operate free legal clinics for veterans.
- Can I get my military discharge upgraded in Texas?
- Yes. Veterans can petition their branch's Discharge Review Board or Board for Correction of Military Records. Texas legal aid organizations and law school clinics provide free assistance with discharge upgrade petitions. The DoD has issued liberal consideration guidance for cases involving PTSD, TBI, and MST.
- Does Texas protect military parents in custody cases?
- Yes. Texas law prohibits courts from using military deployment as the sole basis for modifying custody. Courts can issue temporary custody orders during deployment that automatically revert when the service member returns. Free legal assistance is available through military legal offices and civilian legal aid organizations.
- What is the SCRA and how does it protect Texas veterans?
- The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides federal protections for active-duty members including 6% interest rate caps on pre-service debts, eviction protection, lease termination rights, and stays of civil court proceedings. Texas also has additional state-level protections under the Texas Military Forces Code.
- Are there legal resources for veteran entrepreneurs in Texas?
- Yes. Texas legal aid organizations can assist with business formation, contracts, and regulatory compliance. The SBA's Veterans Business Outreach Center also provides guidance on legal aspects of starting a business. The State Bar of Texas can refer veterans to attorneys specializing in business law.
- How do I find a veterans treatment court near me in Texas?
- Texas has veterans courts in Harris (Houston), Bexar (San Antonio), Dallas, Tarrant (Fort Worth), Travis (Austin), El Paso, and over 25 other counties. Ask your attorney about referral, or contact the Texas Veterans Commission at (512) 463-6564 for help locating a veterans court in your area.
Top Texas cities for legal
Related guides in Texas
Legal in nearby states
Related resources
Recently verified legal resources serving Texas, ordered by most recent verification.
Discharge Upgrade Help - Killeen
TXSelf-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Killeen veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Killeen Veterans Treatment Court
TXVeterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Killeen veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Killeen Veterans Legal Clinic
TXFree civil legal help for Killeen-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.
Discharge Upgrade Help - Corpus Christi
TXSelf-service and pro bono discharge upgrade resources for Corpus Christi veterans, including the VA's official application guide and matching with attorneys who handle BCMR/DRB cases.
Corpus Christi Veterans Treatment Court
TXVeterans Treatment Court diversion option for justice-involved Corpus Christi veterans with eligible offenses. Combines court supervision with VA treatment, peer mentors, and wraparound services as an alternative to incarceration.
Corpus Christi Veterans Legal Clinic
TXFree civil legal help for Corpus Christi-area veterans through Legal Services Corporation grantees and the Stateside Legal veteran-facing directory. Common matters include discharge upgrades, VA benefits appeals, family law, and housing.