Dallas Passes Cite and Release for Marijuana Possession

The Dallas City Council recently voted to implement a “cite and release” program when it comes to possession of small amounts of marijuana. Possession of four ounces or less will now result in a citation rather than a trip to jail. Those receiving a citation will still have to appear in court.

City Councilwoman Jennifer Gates said, “Here might be a misconception in the public that if we have cite and release, it’s okay and it’s not going to be on their criminal records but it is still going to be on someone’s criminal record,” according to NBC DFW.

Beth Wise, a Faith Leader program member, said, “The implementation of a cite and release would be a major step in eliminating the number of black, brown and working class people being branded as a criminal for the rest of their life and from clogging up the prison system.”

Live Free organizer Brittany White said, “They have an opportunity to correct their lives, that they will not be branded as a felon, incarcerated, lose their homes, lose their jobs, their cars. They still have access to quality of life.”

Those residing outside of Dallas County and are in possession of marijuana will not be eligible for the cite and release program. Cite and release is only an option when no other pending charges are present.

The cite and release program takes effect on October 1.