https://www.dallascounty.org/Assets...fficial-DACreuzotPoliciesLetter_April2019.pdf
Here are a few gems:
Theft of Necessary Items
Study after study shows that when we arrest, jail, and convict people for non-violent crimes
committed out of necessity, we only prevent that person from gaining the stability necessary to
lead a law-abiding life. Criminalizing poverty is counter-productive for our community’s
health and safety. For that reason, this office will not prosecute theft of personal items less than
$750 unless the evidence shows that the alleged theft was for economic gain.
Driving While License Suspended (DWLI)
Prosecuting a person for driving while their license is suspended is often just prosecuting a
person for being too poor to pay off their fines and fees. I have developed a diversion program
that will result in charges being dismissed for defendants who clear their drivers’ licenses.
First-Offense Marijuana
Although African Americans and people of other races use marijuana at similar rates, in Dallas
County African Americans are three times more likely to be prosecuted for misdemeanor
marijuana possession than are people of other races. After arrest, African Americans are
assessed money bond at a higher rate for marijuana possession, and are assessed higher bond
amounts than other races. African Americans are more likely to be convicted of marijuana
possession once charged and are more likely to serve a jail sentence.1
The District Attorney must take action to end that disparity. To that end, I have declined
prosecution on misdemeanor possession of marijuana cases for first-time offenders whose
offenses do not occur in a drug-free zone, involve the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, or
involve evidence of delivery. After the first offense, people will be offered a program that, if
successfully completed, will keep their record clear. I am also in the process of dismissing all
pending misdemeanor marijuana cases filed before I took office, according to the new policy
stated above. To date, I have dismissed over a thousand misdemeanor marijuana cases.
Here are a few gems:
Theft of Necessary Items
Study after study shows that when we arrest, jail, and convict people for non-violent crimes
committed out of necessity, we only prevent that person from gaining the stability necessary to
lead a law-abiding life. Criminalizing poverty is counter-productive for our community’s
health and safety. For that reason, this office will not prosecute theft of personal items less than
$750 unless the evidence shows that the alleged theft was for economic gain.
Driving While License Suspended (DWLI)
Prosecuting a person for driving while their license is suspended is often just prosecuting a
person for being too poor to pay off their fines and fees. I have developed a diversion program
that will result in charges being dismissed for defendants who clear their drivers’ licenses.
First-Offense Marijuana
Although African Americans and people of other races use marijuana at similar rates, in Dallas
County African Americans are three times more likely to be prosecuted for misdemeanor
marijuana possession than are people of other races. After arrest, African Americans are
assessed money bond at a higher rate for marijuana possession, and are assessed higher bond
amounts than other races. African Americans are more likely to be convicted of marijuana
possession once charged and are more likely to serve a jail sentence.1
The District Attorney must take action to end that disparity. To that end, I have declined
prosecution on misdemeanor possession of marijuana cases for first-time offenders whose
offenses do not occur in a drug-free zone, involve the use or exhibition of a deadly weapon, or
involve evidence of delivery. After the first offense, people will be offered a program that, if
successfully completed, will keep their record clear. I am also in the process of dismissing all
pending misdemeanor marijuana cases filed before I took office, according to the new policy
stated above. To date, I have dismissed over a thousand misdemeanor marijuana cases.
