The Dallas County district attorney hosted a community forum Tuesday night to explain the new “Cite and Release” program set to begin in the city of Dallas on Friday.
According to NBCDW, the policy allows those found with small amounts of marijuana to avoid going straight to jail.
“This will not change the criminality of possession of marijuana at all,” said Dallas Assistant Police Chief Gary Tittle.
Unless someone has an outstanding warrant or is violating probation by having illegal drugs, Dallas police officers and other law enforcement officers operating within the city limits of Dallas will be allowed to issue a court summons to Dallas County residents found with four ounces or less of marijuana.
Those who receive citations will still need to show up in court, and could still face jail time if convicted.
