CA AB2098

Requires courts to determine whether defendants who allege military service-related conditions (sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, substance abuse, or mental health problems) were or are military members before sentencing.

Mandates courts consider military service and service-related conditions as a factor in favor of granting probation to eligible defendants and as a mitigating factor when imposing prison sentences.

Authorizes courts to order defendants granted probation into treatment programs (local, state, federal, or nonprofit) for periods up to what would have been served in prison or jail, if the defendant agrees and appropriate treatment exists.

Allows courts to grant restorative relief (early probation termination, felony-to-misdemeanor reduction, or record dismissal) to veterans who successfully complete court-ordered treatment and demonstrate rehabilitation, with specified exceptions for certain sex offenses and firearm restrictions.

Gives preference to treatment programs with demonstrated success treating veterans and allows collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs to maximize benefits and services.