What Happens to People Caught With Marijuana in Dallas After Dec. 1?

Beginning Dec. 1, getting caught with marijuana in Dallas may not mean a trip to jail. That's when the county's new "cite and release" program will allow officers to issue a court summons to someone who has less than 4 ounces of marijuana.So far, Dallas is the only city that will participate in the program county commissioners approved in October. Other Texas cities, including Houston, San Antonio and Austin, have similar programs.Permitted by a 2007 state law, the program won't spare people with marijuana from legal consequences.To help explain what's changing — and what's not — Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson will moderate a forum Tuesday with Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Dallas Assistant Police Chief Gary Tittle.  Continue reading...