Fresh Start event a chance to move forward from misdemeanor, traffic offences

NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
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The District Attorney’s Office is pleased to announce another “Fresh Start” event. Fresh Start is an innovative “warrant forgiveness” program that provides an opportunity for people with an outstanding warrant to resolve their warrant without being arrested. The Boulder County District Attorney’s Office was the first jurisdiction to start this innovative program in Colorado in 2019. The program is designed to give those with active warrants stemming from non-violent and low-level misdemeanor or traffic cases an opportunity to move toward a resolution in their case. Individuals with warrants in qualifying cases will speak with representatives from the District Attorney’s Office and either resolve the case or set the case for a new court date. Participants avoid the possibility of an arrest and jail stay that can disrupt their lives, families, and employment.

The event will be held at the Boulder County Justice Center on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event does not require an appointment to be made in advance. This program is a collaborative effort between the District Attorney’s Office, judges, the Public Defender’s Office, probation staff, courthouse staff, and the Sheriff’s Office.

In the past, Fresh Start events have been held in Boulder and in Longmont. These events have always been extremely successful, and we expect the same from the upcoming event.

District Attorney Michael Dougherty stated, “Eligible individuals have a unique opportunity to get their cases, and their lives, back on the right track. Additionally, this program saves taxpayer dollars, law enforcement resources and reduces the jail population. It is wonderful to have every part of the criminal justice system coming together again for this innovative program. I am grateful to the staff who give up their Saturday to be a part of it. The DA’s Office is excited to continue this successful program.”

Additionally, on the same date and time, Jefferson County will also be hosting a Fresh Start event. This will be a first of its kind collaboration on warrant forgiveness between jurisdictions. An individual may appear in-person in Boulder and resolve their warrant in Boulder and then appear virtually in Jefferson County to resolve a warrant they may have in that jurisdiction. Similarly, an individual may appear in-person in Jefferson County to resolve a warrant and then appear virtually in Boulder to resolve a warrant in our jurisdiction.

Eligibility guidelines are posted on the District Attorney’s website or individuals may call 303-441-3700.

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