mandatory prison sentences; judicial discretion

Veterans may get prosecution diversion

Arizona county attorneys may establish veterans diversion programs, but they are not required to do so. A county attorney decides whether to divert a military member or veteran with a service-related mental health condition before a guilty plea or trial. The judge and prosecutor agree on entry rules; people convicted of offenses involving death or serious injury, domestic violence, crimes under two specified state-law chapters, or a continuing criminal enterprise are excluded. A program may require a guilty plea, and a criminal complaint may be dismissed after successful completion. A person discharged under dishonorable conditions counts as a veteran only if diagnosed with a mental health condition, including substance use disorder, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, or post-traumatic stress disorder.