A former astronaut pleaded to a lesser charge and avoided jail time for attacking a romantic rival in Orlando on Tuesday, but she could still face military prosecution.

Navy captain Nowak will be awaiting a letter from the Chief of Naval Personnel (connected with show-cause board actions), or the Secretary of the Navy (authorizing prosecution at court-martial). If she is allowed to retire then there will be a retirement grade determination for retirement as a commander (O-5).

There is no double jeopardy. However, each service has a policy of not pursuing prosecution at court-martial if the service is satisfied that the civilian courts have taken reasonable punitive actions.