Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Bexar County will implement a program that treats certain misdemeanors crimes, including low-level marijuana possession, similarly to traffic offenses and diverts offenders from jail.
Flanked by Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and County Judge Nelson Wolff, District Attorney Nico LaHood announced Wednesday morning the program would begin "in the near future," though he didn't provide a specific date.
"I can say this is huge," Salazar said. "This will definitely change the face of how we do things in Bexar County."
Under the new policy, offenders will be given a summons and the opportunity to attend a class, pay a fine and do community service instead of being charged with a crime and jailed.
A monthly or bi-monthly court date will be designated for low-level offenders to appear before a judge. Classes will be specific to each crime and if citizens are able to complete the course, do community service and pay a fee within 90 days, a case will never be filed against them.
Officials are working on who will teach the classes and what steps will be taken to train officers and deputies.
"Let me emphasize, this program is designed with the intention of balancing community safety, fiscal responsibility for the taxpayers and opportunities for citizens of Bexar County," LaHood said.
Offenses eligible under the new policy include:
-Class A and Class B possession of marijuana
-Class B criminal mischief
-Class B theft
-Class B theft of service
-Class B driving with an invalid license
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bexar Co. will implement cite-and-release program for minor marijuana offenses, other misdemeanors - San Antonio Express-News
Author: Kelsey Bradshaw
Contact: Contact the Newsroom | mySanAntonio.com | SA Express-News - San Antonio Express-News
Photo Credit: Bob Owen
Website: News, Sports, Business & Events | mySanAntonio.com | SA Express-News - San Antonio Express-News
Flanked by Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar and County Judge Nelson Wolff, District Attorney Nico LaHood announced Wednesday morning the program would begin "in the near future," though he didn't provide a specific date.
"I can say this is huge," Salazar said. "This will definitely change the face of how we do things in Bexar County."
Under the new policy, offenders will be given a summons and the opportunity to attend a class, pay a fine and do community service instead of being charged with a crime and jailed.
A monthly or bi-monthly court date will be designated for low-level offenders to appear before a judge. Classes will be specific to each crime and if citizens are able to complete the course, do community service and pay a fee within 90 days, a case will never be filed against them.
Officials are working on who will teach the classes and what steps will be taken to train officers and deputies.
"Let me emphasize, this program is designed with the intention of balancing community safety, fiscal responsibility for the taxpayers and opportunities for citizens of Bexar County," LaHood said.
Offenses eligible under the new policy include:
-Class A and Class B possession of marijuana
-Class B criminal mischief
-Class B theft
-Class B theft of service
-Class B driving with an invalid license
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bexar Co. will implement cite-and-release program for minor marijuana offenses, other misdemeanors - San Antonio Express-News
Author: Kelsey Bradshaw
Contact: Contact the Newsroom | mySanAntonio.com | SA Express-News - San Antonio Express-News
Photo Credit: Bob Owen
Website: News, Sports, Business & Events | mySanAntonio.com | SA Express-News - San Antonio Express-News
