GOLDEN, Colo. (Apr. 28, 2026) – The First Judicial District will mark a significant milestone this Saturday, May 2, as it hosts its 10th Fresh Start warrant event. This collaborative initiative, which has helped hundreds of individuals move toward legal resolution since 2021, will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden.
The event offers a dedicated opportunity for people with active warrants for non-violent, low-level offenses in Gilpin or Jefferson counties to resolve their cases or set new court dates without the fear of arrest.
A Proven Regional and Multi-Agency Coalition
Continuing a successful model, Fresh Start remains a multi-jurisdictional effort. On May 2, participants with outstanding low-level warrants in Adams, Boulder, and Broomfield counties can once again connect virtually with attorneys from those jurisdictions while on-site in Golden.
“Reaching our 10th Fresh Start event highlights the incredible power of collaboration across the entire justice system,” said First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King. “By bringing together the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender, the Courts, Probation, the Sheriff’s Office, Justice Services, and C3, we are breaking down traditional silos. This unified approach allows us to resolve old cases efficiently, save taxpayer resources, and provide a clear path for accountability for those ready to get their lives back on track.”
The Impact of “Failure to Appear” (FTA)
Missed court dates carry significant costs for the justice system. In the First Judicial District, misdemeanor and traffic cases represent more than 80% of the docket and tend to have the highest FTA rates.
- Systemic Strain: In many jurisdictions, failures to appear are a primary driver of jail bookings, contributing to unnecessary system strain and disruption to people’s lives.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Resolving these warrants in a supportive environment prevents costly arrests and collectively avoids hundreds of thousands of dollars in jail costs.
By the Numbers: Success Since 2021
Over the past five years, Fresh Start has become an essential tool for balancing community safety with judicial efficiency:
- 757 Warrants Resolved: 626 individuals have successfully navigated the program to date.
- Efficient Resource Management: By reducing the number of low-level warrants, the program ensures law enforcement and taxpayer resources remain focused on cases that pose the greatest risk to community safety.
- Holistic Support: Participants have access to on-site “wrap-around” services including housing, counseling, and job placement programs from community partners.
Eligibility and Exclusions
While most eligible warrants are for non-violent misdemeanors or traffic cases, eligibility may extend to certain low-level felony drug and property offenses.
- Strict Exclusions: As always, the event excludes offenses under the Victim Rights Act (assault, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.), weapons offenses, and second or subsequent DUI/DWAI charges.
- No Appointment Needed: Public defenders will be available at no cost to review eligibility and provide legal consultation.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Where: Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO.
- Check Eligibility: For probation cases, email 01probation@judicial.state.co.us. For all other cases, email warrantforgiveness.golden@coloradodefenders.us.
For more information, visit https://www.jeffco.us/4346/Fresh-Start.
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