In Travis County some offenses, like Theft, qualify for a "cite and release" rather than arrest. Years ago, any offense that was a Class B Misdemeanor or more serious typically ended with the accused going to jail. Now, a police officer has the choice to eithr take the person to jail, or issue a "cite and release" ticket.
Theft Cite and Release Tickets are not just tickets! The fact the officer let you go with just a ticket changes nothing except bond. Traditionally, bond was set while in jail, and a Judge could later release on a PR bond (personal recognizance bond). With a Cite and Release, the decision to release on a PR Bond is made by the officer, and later agreed to by the Judge. But you still need to take care of the case itself.
In fact, if a person disregards the ticket and ignores it, the prosecutors will file a Bail Jumping warrant and new case, which is a Class A Misdemeanor -- in addition to the Theft case
At the bottom of the "cite and release" ticket will be a date and court. Typically Justice of the Peace #5 in Travis County. That is the date where the Judge will "agree to" and formalize the officer's decision to release on a PR Bond. You can expect to sit at teh courthouse and bonding desk for several hours, during which the sheriff's deputys will verify your information, take mugshots, and complete the booking fingerprints. You'll then be released with a new court date.
Call an attorney immediatly. We can advise you on the process, what to expect, and in some instances how to speed up (or delay) the proceedings.
The Keates Law Firm has over 14+ Years Experience handling criminal defense cases. Our focus is to try and have the case dismissed against you. We don't even discuss pleas until all legal and negotiation options have been explored in detail.
Our Results Speak for Themselves. Keates Law Firm has a record of dismissals and acquittals in a variety of criminal cases. We are dismissal focused, and we get results.
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