S.F. No. 16 Summary

• Creates a sentencing option for military veterans charged with Severity Level 7, D7, or lower offenses who allege the crime resulted from service-related conditions including sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, PTSD, substance abuse, or mental health conditions.

• Courts must determine veteran status and service-connection by clear and convincing evidence, then may defer adjudication and place eligible defendants on probation with court-ordered treatment instead of jail or prison.

• Establishes a restorative justice process allowing courts to dismiss charges after probation completion if the defendant substantially complies with conditions, successfully completes treatment, and demonstrates rehabilitation.

• Permits counties and judicial districts to create optional veterans treatment courts that coordinate services through county veterans officers, VA specialists, and probation agents using a nonadversarial approach.

• Authorizes counties and cities to establish pretrial diversion programs for eligible veterans, allowing prosecutors to dismiss charges if the offender completes recommended treatment; effective August 1, 2020.