MARIJUANA CITE AND RELEASE PROGRAM IN ROUND ROCK

The Texas Legislature passed on expanding legalization of medical marijuana and recreational use. This means that possession of marijuana in Williamson County is against the law and still has serious consequences. The county attorney’s office, however, has begun a “cite and release program.” The Round Rock police officers have been given the option of issuing a citation rather that arresting people and taking them to jail for several Class A and B misdemeanors, such as driving without a license or possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.

PROGRAM IS NOT MANDATORY FOR DRUG POSSESSION

The county attorney’s office has said the program has been available for several years but waited for Travis and Harris counties to implement the plan and see how it worked for them. These violations are looked at as low level crimes and this is being implemented to free up jail space and court time in Williamson County, allow cost savings to taxpayers and free up officers time to perform other duties. It will be up to the officer to decide whether to issue a citation or take the suspect to jail.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

If you are found with less than 2 ounces of marijuana you will, at the police officer’s discretion, be given a citation telling you when and where to appear for processing. The processing center is located at the county’s Justice Center 405 Martin Luther King St. in Georgetown. You will be fingerprinted and photographed and then released on a personal recognizance bond instead of going to jail.

WILL YOU NEED A LAWYER?

You will have to appear before the court system. If you don’t appear, a warrant will be issued for your arrest and you will be picked up and sent to jail. There are many things that can go wrong with your case as it goes through the court system. It is advisable to hire a criminal defense lawyer to get all of the facts of your case reviewed to make sure you get the best outcome your circumstances allow. Steve Hesse is criminal defense trial lawyer with years of experience in the Williamson County Court system. Call 512-930-2120 so you won’t have to face the court system alone.