Court record sealing for criminal convictions in Greeley and Fort Collins used to be impossible. Today, there is hope. Even though the process is difficult to navigate and can be greatly influenced by District Attorneys, many conviction records can new be sealed. We recently sealed a case for a man convicted of Felony Trespassing and Misdemeanor Assault. This would not have been possible before recent changes in the law. While this win can’t guarantee you success, it is good evidence that the legislature has provided a process where many convicted people can now get felonies and misdemeanors out of the public eye (this process does not vacate a conviction, but makes it much harder for the public to see the conviction on places like the Colorado Bureau of Investigation web site).
Criminal Record Sealed of Convictions in Weld County and Greeley – How it Works
When you call our office, we’ll ask you several questions so we can scrutinize your criminal record and learn whether items are eligible for sealing. Your situation must at least meet the criteria for sealing if certain conditions are met. Not all cases will qualify, and some will fall in a middle ground where they can be sealed if special circumstances are or are not present. For example, some charges require a waiting period before you file for sealing. We first charge a minimal fee to study your criminal history to learn whether it makes sense for you to file a Petition to Seal with the Weld County Court. The legislature recently opened the door to the sealing of many crimes, but they did not fully open that door.
Benefits of Sealing Your Criminal Convictions Record in Larimer and Weld County, Colorado Courts
There are many benefits to sealing criminal convictions in Greeley, Fort Collins and Weld County Courts, including:
- Background checks for parent participation in their childrens’ activities
- Employment background checks for convictions
- Housing background checks for renting a house or apartment
- You can start a new life with new friends, and leave the past behind
- Nosey neighbors will have a hard time learning about your past if the record is sealed
Can I Seal a Conviction Record and Arrest Record in Fort Collins and Greeley Courts?
In many cases, the answer is now YES! But not all records of convictions are sealable, some are only sealable after a wait of some years and some depend on whether a judge will overlook the objection of a district attorney. The consent of your case victim may even increase your chances of success in sealing. Several permanent conviction categories, like those for sexual crimes, still cannot be sealed. Most crimes which follow the successful completion of a deferred judgment and sentence, can be sealed. The best thing to do is give our criminal defense lawyers a call to discuss the specifics of your case.