Texas Code 14.06
January 18th, 2023
Analyze the policy of cite and release in Texas, as it relates to marijuana. Question: In 2007, the state legislature (Texas Code 14.06) gave local police the option to cite and then release a person arrested for possession of less than four ounces of marijuana. The person would have to appear in court and would be subject to criminal punishment but would not be arrested, booked, or put in jail until bail was paid, as in the past. Despite these changes, most counties have proved unwilling to use the cite and release option. Do you think more counties in Texas should adopt these policies or not? How would this affect prison populations, recidivism, and communities across this state.