Cite & Release

The Cite & Release initiative works with Bexar County Law Enforcement agencies to issue citations for specific offenses rather than making an onsite arrest. After a citation has been issued, the charge will be evaluated by the Bexar County District Attorney's Office and the case may be accepted into a diversion program, rejected (meaning the case will not be prosecuted), or sent to court. Cite & Release is an important tool that allows non-violent, low-level offenders to complete an appropriate sanction while maintaining a job and housing. Additionally, Cite & Release can reduce the burden on our local court system and jail. 

In partnership with the San Antonio Police Department, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies, DA Joe Gonzales has revamped and expanded Bexar County's cite-and-release program. Police are able to issue citations for non-violent misdemeanor offenses such as possession of marijuana, misdemeanor theft, driving with an invalid license, and criminal mischief. 

Those who are cited instead of arrested and successfully complete associated programs benefit by avoiding an arrest (which may include having to post a bond to be released) and they will not have the citation appear on their criminal record. Officers writing a citation are able to return to duty in significantly less time than it takes for officers to make an arrest. Cite and release also prevents Bexar County taxpayers from having to pay costs associated with booking a person into jail.