Warrant Forgiveness Event on Saturday
People who have outstanding warrants for a variety of low-level offences can have them forgiven and cleared from their record this Saturday, Nov. 21, in West Harlem, the Manhattan District Attorney's office said.
Warrants resulting from disorderly conduct, public consumption of alcohol, public urination, littering, unlawful marijuana possession and other summonses, such as for some subway offences, can be resolved without arrests, fines or other penalties, according to a statement from the office of District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr.
At the event, called “Clean Slate,” a presiding judge will issue what are called adjournments in contemplation of dismissal. The ACDs will require the offender to avoid arrests for six months before the dismissal and sealing of the offender's case, Vance's office said.
“Open warrants can weigh heavily on those who carry them due to the constant risk of arrest following a police encounter. Even for minor violations like littering or drinking in public, open warrants can affect the warrant holder's immigration status, and even his or her ability to get a job or enlist in the armed forces,” Vance said in the statement.
Although warrants for felony or misdemeanor charges cannot be resolved at the event, attorneys from will be on hand to offer free legal advice to help resolve those cases, the statement said.
Warrants from the city's five boroughs can be resolved Saturday, regardless of immigration status or where the offender lives, the statement said. Spanish, French and Mandarin interpreters will be on hand, with translation services for other languages also available. A photo ID is the only documentation necessary.
The event will also have a job training and health care information, as well as other referral services.
“Clean Slate” will held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Soul Saving Church at West 124th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. For more information about the event and qualifying offenses, visit this web page or call 212-335-3310.