Project Reset in Manhattan is provided by the Midtown Community Justice Center, a program of the Center for Justice Innovation, in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Legal Aid Society, Osborne Association, Artistic Noise, and the New Museum.
Program Information
Project Reset gives people arrested for low-level offenses a chance to avoid prosecution and a criminal record by participating in brief, meaningful programming. Participants can also get access to a wide range of supportive services through the Midtown Community Justice Center and its partners. Programming may include interactive workshops, individual counseling, arts therapy, community-building circles, and workshops on harm reduction, stress management, and healthy relationships. The program encourages conversations and reflection about the criminal justice system, the experience of being arrested, and accountability. Non-English speakers can participate in weekly groups in Spanish or individual sessions using a translation service. The program is staffed by the Midtown Community Justice Center and partner organizations the Osborne Association, Artistic Noise, and the New Museum.
Once a participant completes their programming, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office declines to prosecute their case, their arrest record is sealed, and the case does not result in a criminal record. Through traditional Project Reset, participants can complete the program without ever stepping foot in court. Others may be eligible for Rapid Reset, which is offered at arraignment for those have not yet completed programming but who show up for their court dates.
Legal Counsel
Please note that Project Reset, Midtown Community Justice Center, and the Center for Justice Innovation do not provide legal guidance or advocacy. You may choose to hire a private attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, contact us below to find an attorney at no cost. Please check your Desk Appearance Ticket for your court information.
If your Desk Appearance Ticket asks you to appear at the Midtown Community Justice Center and you live in Harlem, contact the Neighborhood Defender Service of Harlem, Ariel Tejada, atejada@ndsny.org, 212.876.5500.
If your Desk Appearance Ticket asks you to appear at Midtown Community Justice Center and you do not live in Harlem, contact The Legal Aid Society, Rebecca Chevalier, RIChevalier@Legal-Aid.org, 212.298.3080.
Eligibility in Manhattan
You may be eligible for Project Reset if:
- You were arrested in Manhattan;
- You are 18-years-old or older;
- You were issued a Desk Appearance Ticket (DAT) for a non-violent misdemeanor crime.
The final decision about eligibility rests with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Contact Information
Midtown Community Justice Center
314 W 54th St
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 914.893.2490
Email: ccimidtownreset@nycourts.gov