GOLDEN, Colo. (Nov. 5, 2026) – The First Judicial District will host another Fresh Start warrant resolution event this Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Jefferson County Administration and Courts Facility in Golden.
Individuals with active warrants for nonviolent, low-level offenses in Gilpin or Jefferson counties will have an opportunity to resolve their cases, get back on track with probation, or schedule a new court date.
Fresh Start provides an opportunity for people who may have been living with the uncertainty of an outstanding warrant to address their cases in a supportive environment. By resolving low-level warrants, the initiative also helps ensure law enforcement, the courts and taxpayer resources can focus on cases that pose a greater risk to community safety.
Expanding Access Across Jurisdictions
Attorneys will also be available virtually during the November 7 event to assist individuals with eligible warrants in Denver and Boulder counties. In the past, individuals could face barriers to resolving a warrant in one jurisdiction if they had another outstanding, low-level warrant elsewhere. By coordinating events on the same date and time, participating jurisdictions are making it possible for individuals to address multiple cases and take steps toward resolving their warrants in one coordinated effort.
By the Numbers: Fresh Start’s Impact Since 2021
Since 2021, the First Judicial District has hosted 10 Fresh Start events, helping 712 individuals resolve 856 warrant cases. Approximately 75% of the resolved warrants involved Failures to Appear (FTA), while the remaining 25% involved Failures to Comply with probation or other court-imposed conditions.
At the 10th event, held in May 2026, justice services sent 630 text messages to eligible individuals. During that event, 86 people resolved 99 warrants.
Misdemeanor and traffic cases account for more than 80% of cases in the First Judicial District and tend to have the highest failure-to-appear rates. Missed court dates carry significant costs for both the justice system and individuals. In some jurisdictions, failures to appear are a primary driver of jail bookings, contributing to unnecessary strain on the system and disruption to people’s lives.
Additional statistics about the Fresh Start initiative are available through the First Judicial District Attorney’s Data Dashboard.
Community Collaboration and Resources
The Fresh Start initiative is made possible through the collaboration of the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, First Judicial District Courts, First Judicial District Probation Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Justice Services and C3.
Attorneys and court staff volunteer their time on weekends to make these events possible. By helping individuals resolve outstanding warrants without the need for an arrest and subsequent jail booking, the initiative provides relief to participants while avoiding hundreds of thousands of dollars in potential jail costs for taxpayers.
The event also connects participants with resources that extend beyond warrant resolution. Popular items and services include bus tickets, food, socks, Narcan, fentanyl test strips and mosquito repellent. Participants can also receive information about SNAP, Social Security, dental care, Medicaid and Medicare, medication-assisted treatment and mental health services.
Additional support services, including legal aid, housing, counseling and job placement assistance, will be available through community partners: Community Connections Center (C3), Bayaud Enterprises, Behavioral Treatment Services, Benefits in Action, Front Range Clinic, Hazelbrook Sober Living, Intervention, Inc., Kenekt and Master’s Apprentice.
Eligibility and Legal Assistance
Most eligible warrants involve nonviolent misdemeanor or traffic cases. Eligibility may also extend to individuals with certain nonviolent, low-level felony offenses that have been reclassified as misdemeanors, as well as some low-level felony drug and property offenses.
The event excludes individuals charged with or convicted of offenses covered by the Victim Rights Act, including assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact and domestic violence. Individuals with weapons offenses or second or subsequent cases involving driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while ability impaired (DWAI) are also ineligible.
Public defenders will be available to review eligibility and provide legal consultation to qualifying individuals at no cost.
To check eligibility for probation violation cases, individuals should email 01probation@judicial.state.co.us. For all other cases, email warrantforgiveness.golden@coloradodefenders.us. No advance appointment is required to attend the event.
For more information, visit jeffco.us/Fresh-Start.
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