If you are a California Veteran or on active duty you may qualify for military diversion. However, there’s no guarantee that you are eligible. The crime for which you are charged needs to be linked to some effect of being in the military.
For example, if you have a mental health disorder as a result of military service and commit a crime, you stand a better chance of being eligible for military diversion. On the other hand, if you have no record of mental health disorders, no PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance abuse, or sexual trauma as a result of military service that can be linked to the crime, you might not be eligible.
If you qualify for military diversion and agree to the program, successful completion means you will avoid jail time and have your charges dismissed.
For more information on military diversion see Penal Code 1001.80.