When considering your Colorado Criminal Records, there are several different government agencies (courts, police, district attorney, probation, jail, sheriff, pretrial services, websites, etc.) which need to be considered when trying to get them sealed. Each of these different offices hold your records and needs to be sealed.
Where Are My Criminal Records?
With the police:
- If investigated for a crime, they input a criminal record in their system.
- If charged with a crime, police reports exist.
- If arrested for a crime, arrest records exist.
With the Colorado Courts:
- If charged with a crime, there is a record of your charges, even if the charges are dismissed.
Police Reports in Greeley
Police reports and sheriff department reports are damaging to you. They are a permanent record of any allegations against you. And, all law enforcement agencies as well as any member of the public have access to this information. Even if all the charges are dropped because there was not enough evidence or the allegations against you proved to be false, that record never goes away in Greeley, Evans and Johnstown. Anyone who reads them does not see the whole picture or your side of the story. They just see what the person who accused you said. Many times, the accused’s position is not a part of the report, especially since we don’t let our clients talk to the police.
Arrest Records
Any arrest means there is a public record of your charges, along with your photograph, fingerprints, and (in felonies) your DNA. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) holds all these records and they are available to anyone who runs a background check on you. This can prevent you from getting a job or keep a landlord from renting a house or apartment to you. Arrest records are permanent unless your attorney prepares the case to be sealed later as part of the plea agreement.
Arrest records are permanent unless your attorney prepares the case to be sealed later as part of the plea agreement.
Court Records in Weld County
Anytime you are officially charged with a crime by arrest, complaint or Criminal Summons, the courts enter that information into a computer database where anyone in the world can pay a fee to read about your charges and your case. It is a common practice for companies to run a background check on you when you apply for a job. They check the court records, which is why it is so important to get your court record sealed if possible. An experienced criminal defense lawyer will be able to look into your records and work with the courts to get you the privacy you deserve.
Why You Need a Lawyer to Seal Your Criminal Records
The knowledgeable attorneys at the O’Malley Law Office know which records are sealable and how to get them sealed. Sometimes, especially if there was a guilty plea involved, the Weld, Morgan, or Logan County District Attorneys must agree to the sealing. You need a lawyer who has familiarity with the law on record sealing, and can fight to get you the confidentiality and protection you deserve.
If you or a loved one is interested in sealing their police, court, jail, or criminal record, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney at the O’Malley Law Office. We will provide you with the information you need and will take you through the record sealing process. Contact us at 970-658-0007 for a free consultation. Together we can protect your future.
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