MOCJ Programs
Project Reset
Restoring justice and accountability through community, not conviction.
Project Reset is a city-wide, pre-court diversion program for people arrested for low-level offenses in New York City. Participants can complete a brief, community-based program (typically 2–4 hours) in lieu of appearing in court. If they successfully complete the program, the case is declined for prosecution, the arrest record is sealed, and no criminal record is created for that case.
Partner PROGRAMS & ORGANIZATIONS
Services Provided & Focus Domains
Legal Support
prosecution alternatives
community service & resources
Impact & Highlights
Who it’s For
- The program is available to people who were arrested in one of New York City’s five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island.
- After arrest, instead of appearing in court, a person may be referred (or may opt) into Project Reset. The process generally involves one or two sessions of community-based programming (2–4 hours total) that may include restorative discussions, classes with local artists, individual and/or group counseling, and resource support.
- Participation is voluntary and there is no added penalty for opting out.
Why?
Many individuals arrested for low-level offenses face court appearances, plea negotiations, and the risk of a criminal record — all of which carry long-term consequences for housing, employment, education and community stability. The traditional route often fails to address underlying trauma, resource gaps, or community connection.
History
Project Reset is a collaboration between the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the District Attorney’s Offices in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Staten Island and Queens, the Center for Justice Innovation, and the New York Police Department.
Project Reset launched in 2015 as a pilot collaboration between the NYC Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice, the Center for Justice Innovation, and local District Attorney offices to create a more proportionate response to low-level arrests. The program began in Manhattan and the Bronx, offering participants the opportunity to complete a brief community-based workshop instead of going to court.
Its success—demonstrated by high completion rates, reduced case backlogs, and overwhelmingly positive participant feedback—led to citywide expansion across all five boroughs. Over time, Project Reset evolved to include restorative-justice practices, arts-based engagement, and trauma-informed approaches that better reflect participants’ lived experiences and community needs.
Today, Project Reset represents a key component of New York City’s broader justice-reform strategy: reducing unnecessary prosecutions, minimizing harm, and investing in meaningful alternatives that promote accountability and opportunity.
Partner Organizations
Frequently Asked Questions
For the full up to date FAQ, please visit the official Project Reset Website FAQ
Yes, you can talk with a lawyer free of charge at any point during the process. Speaking to a lawyer is not required for participation. Please check on the Project Reset Website for the page of the borough where you were arrested for available lawyers’ contact information.
If you complete Project Reset or Reset+ programming, the local district attorney’s office will decline to prosecute your case.
If you complete Project Reset or Reset+ programming, you do not have to appear in court for this specific case.
Project Reset serves people who were arrested in the Bronx, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Project Reset+ is only active in Manhattan
Programming includes restorative justice discussions, classes with local artists, and individual and group counseling sessions. The programming varies by borough. Please check the official Project Reset website and the borough page to learn more.
When the District Attorney’s Office declines to prosecute your case, the record of your arrest is sealed. Please speak to a lawyer if you have questions about the record sealing process. Please check the official Project Reset website and the borough page where you were arrested for available lawyers’ contact information.
Success Stories
Contact Us
Official Project Reset Website
For all contact and lawyer information, please visit the contact page for Project Reset