Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged or Sealed in Colorado?
If you’ve ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime, you know how much that record can follow you. It can show up on background checks, affect your ability to get a job, rent an apartment, secure loans, or even apply for professional licenses.
The good news? In many cases, Colorado law allows you to seal or expunge your criminal record. But the process isn’t automatic — and not every case qualifies.
This guide will walk you through what record sealing and expungement mean, who’s eligible, and how a knowledgeable criminal defense in Colorado can help you clear your name and move forward with confidence.
What’s the Difference Between Expungement and Sealing?
While often used interchangeably, expungement and sealing are different under Colorado law:
- Record sealing hides the record from public view (employers, landlords, the general public). Law enforcement and courts can still access it in some cases.
- Expungement is only available for juvenile and certain underage offenses. It permanently destroys the record — as if it never happened.
For most adults in Colorado, you’re likely looking at sealing, not expungement — and that’s still a powerful way to reclaim your future.
What Types of Records Can Be Sealed in Colorado?
You may be able to seal:
✅ Arrests that didn’t lead to charges
✅ Cases where charges were dismissed or dropped
✅ Not guilty verdicts at trial
✅ Some low-level criminal convictions (after a waiting period)
✅ Records from successful deferred judgments
✅ Certain petty offenses, misdemeanors, and drug-related felonies
✅ Some municipal violations and infractions
Every case is unique. An experienced attorney practicing criminal defense in Colorado will evaluate your full record and determine which parts may be eligible.
What Records Cannot Be Sealed?
There are certain charges that can’t be sealed under current law, including:
❌ Class 1 or 2 felonies
❌ Violent crimes (assault, homicide, sexual assault)
❌ DUIs (in most cases)
❌ Crimes involving victims over 15 and under 70
❌ Domestic violence convictions (cannot be sealed if guilty)
❌ Convictions involving child abuse or serious bodily injury
Even if your charge isn’t eligible now, Colorado law continues to evolve. That’s why staying in touch with a skilled criminal defense in Colorado lawyer is smart — laws change, and new options may become available.
How Long Do I Have to Wait to Seal My Record?
The waiting period depends on how your case ended:
- Arrest, no charges filed: 1 year after the arrest
- Case dismissed or not guilty verdict: Immediately eligible
- Deferred judgment successfully completed: Immediately eligible after dismissal
- Petty offense conviction: 1 year
- Misdemeanor conviction: 2 years
- Eligible felony conviction: 3–5 years
Important: You must have no new charges during the waiting period.
The sooner you talk to a lawyer about your eligibility, the sooner you can begin preparing the necessary paperwork — a key step in effective criminal defense in Colorado.
Real-World Example: Sealing a Dismissed Case
A man was falsely accused of shoplifting in Denver. The charges were dismissed, but the arrest still showed up on background checks. He couldn’t figure out why he kept getting turned down for jobs.
His attorney filed a petition to seal the record, and the court approved it. Now, employers can no longer see the incident — and his job prospects improved almost overnight.
Dismissed charges don’t disappear on their own — they must be sealed. This is a perfect example of the long-term value of proactive criminal defense in Colorado.
Real-World Example: Deferred Judgment Sealed for First-Time Offender
A young woman charged with drug possession entered a deferred judgment program. She completed probation, passed all drug tests, and the charge was dismissed.
Her attorney filed for record sealing, and it was approved. Now, she’s pursuing a career in nursing — with a clean slate.
Without record sealing, the charge would have remained visible — even though the case never resulted in a conviction.
What’s the Process to Seal a Record in Colorado?
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Determine Eligibility
Your attorney will review your case history and determine which charges can be sealed.
Prepare a Petition to Seal
This includes detailed information about the case and your current status. It must be filed with the appropriate court.
Notify Interested Parties
The prosecutor’s office, law enforcement, and other entities must be notified.
Attend a Court Hearing (if required)
Some cases require a hearing where the judge decides whether sealing is in the public interest.
Court Grants the Order
Once approved, the court sends the sealing order to relevant agencies — and your record is no longer available to the public.
Every step of this process can be managed by a seasoned attorney experienced in criminal defense in Colorado, ensuring accuracy, speed, and a stronger chance of approval.
What Are the Benefits of Sealing My Record?
✅ Privacy: Landlords, employers, schools, and the general public will no longer have access to your sealed record.
✅ Better job prospects: You can legally say you have not been convicted or charged in most situations.
✅ Housing and education access: Many applications ask about criminal history — sealing your record gives you a fresh start.
✅ Restored reputation: You no longer have to carry the weight of a single mistake for the rest of your life.
Sealing your record doesn’t just close a legal chapter — it opens new personal and professional doors.
Will the Police Still See My Sealed Record?
Yes — in most cases, sealed records are still accessible to:
- Law enforcement
- Courts (if you face future charges)
- Licensing boards (in some professions)
However, sealed records are not accessible to the public, employers, landlords, or private background check companies.
That’s a meaningful difference — and one worth pursuing with proper criminal defense in Colorado.
Can I Seal Multiple Cases?
Yes — but each one must be handled individually. If you have several charges or arrests, your attorney may file:
- One petition per court jurisdiction
- Multiple petitions depending on case type and outcome
The process may be more involved, but it’s absolutely possible. Your defense lawyer will create a roadmap for sealing everything you’re eligible to remove from public view.
How Much Does It Cost to Seal a Record?
Court filing fees vary depending on the case type, and attorney fees may depend on the complexity of your record.
That said, the long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. Not being held back by a public criminal record can lead to better jobs, housing, and peace of mind.
Ask your lawyer about potential fee waivers if you’re facing financial hardship — Colorado courts sometimes waive costs for those who qualify.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Let One Mistake Define Your Future
Everyone makes mistakes. But you shouldn’t have to carry yours forever — especially if you’ve taken responsibility, completed your sentence, or never should’ve been charged in the first place.
With the help of an experienced attorney, record sealing gives you a real second chance.
And if your case isn’t eligible yet, your lawyer can monitor changes in the law and guide you when the time comes.
A clean slate isn’t just possible — with skilled criminal defense in Colorado, it’s within reach.
What to Do Next
Tired of your record holding you back? Let’s clear your name — starting today.
- Call for a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Colorado
- Find out if you qualify to seal or expunge your record
- We’ll handle the paperwork, the court process, and help you move forward
Meet Dion Custis: A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Colorado Who Knows How to Win
For over 30 years, Dion J. Custis has fought for people just like you — individuals facing criminal charges and unsure of what comes next. Licensed in both Colorado and Wyoming, he’s handled thousands of cases in state and federal courtrooms, including:
- Felony assault charges
- Self-defense claims
- Allegations involving police officers
- Complex, high-stakes trial cases.
You don’t need to know the law. You need a criminal defense lawyer who knows how to use the law to protect you.
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Start Building Your Defense Now — While You Still Have Time
You’ve got one shot to protect your name, your job, your record, and your freedom. Make it count. Don’t Face the System Alone — Schedule a Free Criminal Case Review Today.