San Antonio: Bexar county District Attorney Nico LaHood has announced plans to shield minor marijuana offenders from receiving criminal records.
Under the forthcoming policy, low level marijuana possession offenders will be cited rather than arrested and taken to jail. Defendants who complete a pre-trial diversion program, which may include taking a class and/or engaging in community service, will not receive a criminal record.
Similar cite-and-release policies have been enacted elsewhere in Texas, including in Harris County (Houston) and in Travis County (Austin). A similar proposed policy in Dallas is not yet operational.
Under state law, the possession of up to four ounces of cannabis is classified as a criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
For more information, contact Justin Strekal, NORML Political Director, at (202) 483-5500.