How to avoid liability for AWOL during wartime?

I read that military personnel who went AWOL for the first time during martial law can be exempted from criminal liability if they follow a certain procedure. Can I actually return to service and avoid a criminal record for going AWOL if I quickly complete all paperwork and the commander signs consent? What documents exactly need to be submitted, and are there any nuances that should be paid attention to for the court to agree to exempt me from liability?