On May 1, 2017, the Round Rock Police Department implemented a program giving officers the discretion to issue citations in lieu of arresting individuals allegedly committing certain low-level offenses, such as possession of marijuana and driving without a valid license.

This is a good step forward. The program can help to curb overcrowded jails and reduce consequences on the lives of the accused, such as loss of employment, for relatively minor infractions.

It is still imperative that you show up for your court date, or you could be arrested. Possession of marijuana remains a Class B misdemeanor, which can carry serious consequences. A conviction results in a 180-day drivers license suspension.