Cochise County program waives misdemeanor warrants and connects people to treatment

Organizers of the Justice and Care Collective told Cochise County public-health partners that the cross-sector event offers people with misdemeanor warrants a way to clear those charges and access treatment and social services.

The presenter said participating judges and volunteers at pilot events in Bisbee and Sierra Vista have worked with county attorneys, local police and the bar association to “quash” or waive misdemeanor warrants — including petty theft, shoplifting, misdemeanor DUI, domestic-violence misdemeanors, loitering and public intoxication — but not felony charges. The events also offered free medical providers on site, expungement services and referrals to sober living, mental‑health and residential substance‑use treatment.

Why it matters: staff said the events are intended to remove barriers that keep people with misdemeanor records from obtaining employment, housing or education. A law-enforcement officer relayed an example of a woman who, after having a warrant resolved at one event, was able to enroll in school and get a job.

Organizers said language access and outreach are priorities. The presenter noted that attorneys are available to assist people who cannot read or write and that Spanish-language outreach and local radio announcements are planned to increase awareness. They asked partners to post notices in courts and community centers and to help identify space and parking for the Douglas event.

The county representative said the Justice and Care Collective will publish dates and more information on the county website and social-media channels once judges’ calendars are confirmed. The presenter added: “It’s a nice opportunity for people to get a fresh start,” and encouraged partners to help spread the word.

Next step: organizers said they will coordinate with the City of Douglas on logistics and will notify partners when the date is set.