People with active warrants for nonviolent, low-level misdemeanors and traffic violations in Jefferson and Gilpin counties have an upcoming opportunity to resolve the outstanding cases.
Colorado’s First Judicial District is again hosting a Fresh Start event, according to a news release.
The event resolves outstanding minor cases that involve arrests and court appearances, which can negatively impact defendants who want to accept accountability. People on probation who have fallen out of compliance can “re-engage” and get back to completing their sentence.
This year’s event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden.
People who attend will appear before a deputy district attorney who may offer a plea agreement to those eligible, paving the way for the underlying warrant to be cleared by a judge who may resolve the case or set a court appearance date.
Public defenders will be on site to review eligibility and provide legal consultation to qualifying defendants at no cost. Community partners, including the Community Connections Center (C3), Jefferson County Public Health, Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Benefits in Action, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Intervention, Inc., Behavioral Treatment Services, and Stout Street Clinic will be on hand to potentially provide aid.
“The event excludes people who have been charged or convicted of an offense under the Victim Rights Act – such as assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, or domestic violence,” according to the release. “In addition, people with weapons offenses and those with second or subsequent cases involving driving under the influence or driving while ability impaired are not eligible for the program.”
Fresh Start, in its third year, is a collaborative effort between the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, First Judicial District Courts, Office of the Colorado State Public Defender, First Judicial District Probation Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Justice Services, and C3.
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