Veterans: criminal defendants.

Existing law requires a court, in the case of any person convicted of a criminal offense who could otherwise be sentenced to county jail or state prison and who alleges that he or she committed the offense as a result of sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or mental health problems stemming from service in the United States military, to, prior to sentencing, make a determination as to whether the defendant was, or currently is, a member of the United States military and whether the defendant may be suffering from sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, or mental health problems as a result of that service. If that defendant is in substantial compliance with conditions of probation and has successfully participated in court-ordered treatment and services, among other requirements, existing law authorizes the court to grant the defendant specified forms of relief, including a dismissal of the action, as specified. Existing law provides that a person who has been convicted of a felony, or who is addicted to the use of a narcotic drug, and who owns, purchases, receives, or has in possession or under custody or control any firearm is guilty of a felony. This bill would provide that dismissal of an accusation, information, or conviction, as specified, pursuant to the provisions described above relating to a defendant who served in the United States military, does not authorize that defendant to own, possess, or have in his or her custody or control any firearm, or prevent his or her conviction for being a felon or drug addict in possession of a firearm.