The numbers tell a story of hope: 141 people walked away from a single Harris County event in May with their criminal records sealed, giving them a real shot at jobs, housing, and fresh starts they couldn’t get before.
It’s the highest number yet for Fresh Start, Harris County’s popular second-chance program that’s been quietly changing lives since 2022. And the trend is clear – more people are eligible than ever before, and more are following through to actually get their records cleared.
The Program That’s Actually Working
Fresh Start isn’t just another government program that sounds good on paper. The results speak for themselves: since launching three years ago, the program has screened more than 2,800 people and helped nearly 1,100 seal their records.
“We’re excited to see the numbers continue to grow — not just for the success of Fresh Start but for the success of the real people in our community that these numbers represent,” said Harris County Criminal Courts at Law Presiding Judge Erika Ramirez.
“These are people who want to get back on track; they just need a little help getting there. Fresh Start provides that help.”
How It Works
Every quarter, 300 people register for free criminal record screening. Those who qualify can then access record sealing services right at the event – no lawyers, no fees, no bureaucratic runaround.
The May event saw 75% of participants – 226 people – determined eligible for record sealing. Of those, 62% followed through with the actual process, a completion rate that keeps climbing with each event.
It’s a far cry from the usual maze of legal processes that often keeps people from accessing help they’re entitled to.
More Than Just Record Sealing
The program goes beyond just clearing records. Fresh Start connects people to community resources aimed at helping them meet basic needs, reduce recidivism, and contribute to safer communities.
The August 2nd event will offer even more services under one roof:
- Housing workshops covering landlord-tenant rights and the eviction process
- Legal clinics from South Texas College of Law for debt relief and estate planning
- Consular services for Mexican citizens needing legal documents
- Wraparound support through Harris County Public Health for everything from job placement to healthcare
- Lead poisoning testing for families
Why This Matters
Having a criminal record – even for minor offenses – can be a lifetime barrier to employment, housing, and education. Record sealing removes those barriers for people who’ve completed their sentences and stayed out of trouble.
The program specifically targets people who want to move forward but are held back by past mistakes. It’s not about erasing accountability; it’s about removing obstacles to rehabilitation and community reintegration.
Getting In
Here’s what you need to know about the next Fresh Start event:
When: Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. to noon Where: Harris County Jury Plaza, 1201 Congress St., downtown Houston Registration: Opens Monday, July 14 at noon at www.ccl.hctx.net/FreshStart.htm
Fair warning: spots fill up fast. The program caps attendance at 300 people, and demand consistently exceeds capacity.
The Bigger Picture
Fresh Start represents something bigger than just one program – it’s proof that second-chance policies can work when they’re designed with real barriers in mind and executed with actual resources behind them.
The program brings together multiple county departments and community partners, from the Public Defender’s Office to the Houston Apartment Association, creating a comprehensive approach rather than the usual fragmented services.
What’s Next
With demand clearly outpacing capacity, the question becomes how to expand access while maintaining the program’s effectiveness. The consistent growth in both eligibility and follow-through rates suggests there’s significant unmet need in the community.
For now, the program continues its quarterly schedule, helping 300 people at a time work toward the fresh starts they’re seeking.
The August event will be the next chance for Harris County residents to see if they qualify. Given the track record, it’s likely to fill up just as quickly as the others.
Fresh Start is offered by Harris County Criminal Courts at Law and BAYOU City Community Court, in partnership with multiple county departments and community organizations. For more information, visit www.ccl.hctx.net/FreshStart.htm.
