January 11, 2023
Are you facing a nonviolent misdemeanor charge in Harris County, Texas? You may be eligible for the Cite and Release court, a program designed to reduce incarceration rates and support individuals who are charged with misdemeanors. This program allows police officers to issue citations to individuals who have been charged with certain offenses, rather than arresting them and taking them to jail.
At The Napier Law Firm, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges. That’s why we want to provide you with information about the Cite and Release court and how it can benefit you.
What is the Cite and Release court?
The Cite and Release court is a program in Harris County that allows individuals who have been charged with certain misdemeanors to be issued a citation and released from custody rather than being arrested and booked into jail. This allows individuals to continue living their lives and supporting their families while their case is being resolved.
Who is eligible for the Cite and Release court?
Individuals who have been charged with nonviolent misdemeanors may be eligible for the Cite and Release court. This includes offenses such as possession of small amounts of marijuana, criminal mischief, and theft of property valued at less than $100.
| Eligible Offenses |
| Possession of small amounts of marijuana (4 ounces or less) |
| Theft of property valued at $750 or less |
| Criminal mischief |
| Driving with an invalid license (first offense only) |
How does the Cite and Release court work?
If you are eligible for the Cite and Release court, you will be issued a citation and released from custody. You will be given a court date and are required to appear in court to answer to the charges against you. It’s important to note that failure to appear in court can result in additional charges being filed against you. The docket for the Cite and Release court is normally held every Wednesday from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM. The docket is in the court room on the first floor of the Wilson Building located at 49 San Jacinto St., Houston, Texas 77002. At the docket, a Judge will inform you of your Constitutional rights and read you statutory warnings. Additionally, individuals will have their photograph taken and will be required to provide their finger prints, similar to the traditional process of being booked into jail.
What are the benefits of the Cite and Release court?
There are several benefits to the Cite and Release court for those who are charged with misdemeanors. It allows individuals to continue working and supporting their families rather than being incarcerated and potentially losing their job. It also reduces the burden on the jail system, as there are fewer people being held in custody while they are awaiting trial.
Overall, the Cite and Release court is a valuable program that helps to reduce incarceration rates and support individuals who have been charged with nonviolent misdemeanors. If you are facing a misdemeanor charge in Harris County, our criminal defense attorneys can help you understand your options and determine if the Cite and Release court is right for you.
Contact A Houston Lawyer the Cite and Release Program Today
First-time offenders are recommended to consult an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can assert your rights, help prove your innocence, and potentially, get your charges decreased or dismissed.
Contact The Napier Law Firm today to schedule your free initial consultation for first-time offenses in Houston. We also serve Harris County, Montgomery County, Houston County, Galveston County, Conroe County, and Fort Bend County.
- For more information on the cite and release program in Houston, you can visit the City of Houston’s website at https://www.houstontx.gov/execorders/1-68.pdf or the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
- To learn more about the laws and penalties related to nonviolent offenses in Texas, you can refer to the Texas Penal Code.
- If you are interested in reading about the experiences of other clients who have worked with The Napier Law Firm, PLLC, you can check out our reviews.