In my country, conscientious objectors can instead opt to work for charity for the duration of their service I believe. Much better solution than throwing service dodgers in jail. This also proves you're not doing it just to avoid service.

For an example I know someone who couldn't serve in the military for health reasons, but instead worked for the food bank for 8 months. The pay is shit, but for some people it's an option. And if you have a young child, you're exempt from service for a while anyway, it's only mandatory if you don't have significant provable responsibilities to other people. And I believe even then it's not mandatory in all cases.