Boulder County's innovative approach to dealing with outstanding warrants for non-violent, low-level misdemeanor or traffic cases has once again marked a success, according to a press release from the District Attorney's Office. The Fresh Start Warrant Forgiveness Program, held on Saturday, June 7th, offered people the chance to clear their outstanding warrants without the risk of arrest, which was the fifth occurrence for Boulder County's 20th Judicial District, according to Boulder County.
Since its inception in 2019, the program, making it the first of its kind in Colorado, has inspired several other jurisdictions to adopt similar initiatives. Offering a beacon of hope, the event drew fifty-three individuals to the Boulder County Justice Center, over forty-five of whom succeeded in resolving their warrants. Nearly all participants had been contacted by the District Attorney's Office directly, assuring that they were neither in concealment nor absconding.
The program's design reflects a deep understanding of community needs and the importance of efficient use of resources. District Attorney Michael Dougherty highlighted the program’s success, stating, "Once again, this program has proven to be a great success. It allowed people to get their cases, and their lives, back on track while saving law enforcement resources and taxpayer dollars," as obtained by Boulder County. This collaborative effort involved not only the District Attorney's Office but also the Boulder Municipal Court, Public Defender's Office, judges, Probation, Community Justice Services, courthouse staff, and the Sheriff’s Office, simultaneously conducting events in Denver, Jefferson, and Adams Counties.
