San Antonio, Texas, September 27, 2017: Today, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Nico LaHood, alongside County Judge Nelson Wolff and Sheriff Javier Salazar announced the creation of an upcoming Cite and Release pilot program aimed at low-level, non-violent offenders. During today’s press conference, District Attorney LaHood shared information on the upcoming pilot program.
In order to establish a Cite and Release pilot program in Bexar County, District Attorney LaHood said they based it on House Bill 2392, which was passed and signed by the Governor during the 80th Legislative Session in 2007. This bill granted peace officers the option to issue a citation to a person who allegedly committed a violation of certain misdemeanor offenses and under certain circumstances. The pilot program, which has been in the works for more than two years, is expected to positively impact the citizens of our community, law enforcement and the justice system.
“We have to balance community safety, fiscal responsibility for taxpayers, and opportunities for the citizen accused,” said District Attorney LaHood. “When utilized, this program will allow officers to stay on our streets and continue to protect our community, help reduce the burden on our criminal justice system and at the same time, allow the citizen accused an opportunity to learn from a poor choice without having the stigma of an arrest hanging over their head.”
At this time, full details for the pilot program have not been finalized. Once that occurs, the program will begin in the near future and will have its initial evaluation after 6 months.
The following offenses will be included in Cite and Release pilot program:
- Class A & Class B Possession of Marijuana (less than 4 oz.)
- Class B Criminal Mischief
- Class B Theft
- Class B Theft of Service
- Class B Driving While License Invalid
Watch the full press conference here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IhI-6JlvwB0