If you have a criminal record in Weld County, you may wonder how it affects your future and whether you can seal your record. Record sealing is a powerful legal tool that can help residents of Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, Dacono, Berthoud, Milliken, Johnstown, and surrounding areas move forward with employment, housing, and education opportunities.
As Weld County criminal defense attorneys, we regularly help clients navigate the record sealing process and answer common questions about eligibility, timing, and court procedures.
1. What Does “Record Sealing” Mean in Weld County?
Record sealing is the process of removing a criminal record from public access. Once a record is sealed in Weld County:
- Most employers, landlords, and the public cannot see it
- Law enforcement and certain agencies, such as licensing boards, may still access it
- You may legally deny or not disclose the sealed offense on most applications
Unlike pardons, which erase a conviction completely, sealing keeps the record in court files but limits public access.
2. What Records Are Eligible for Sealing in Weld County?
Not all convictions or charges can be sealed. In general, you may be eligible if you have:
- Misdemeanor convictions (after the required waiting period)
- Certain felony convictions (depending on type and time elapsed)
- Charges that did not result in a conviction
Certain offenses, such as violent crimes, sexual offenses, and traffic cases (like DUI and DWAI), may be ineligible or have restrictions under Colorado law.
3. How Long Do I Have to Wait to Seal a Record in Weld County?
The waiting period depends on the type of offense:
- Misdemeanors: Typically 1–3 years after completing sentence
- Felonies: Usually 5–10 years for eligible offenses
- Acquittals, dismissals, or deferred judgments: Often immediate eligibility, though filing deadlines may apply
These periods can vary depending on whether your case was in Greeley Municipal Court, Weld County District Court, or another local court.
4. How Do I Seal a Criminal Record in Weld County?
The process generally involves:
- Confirming eligibility – Determining whether your conviction, sentence, or case qualifies
- Filing a petition or motion with the appropriate court – Usually where your case was handled (municipal or district)
- Providing documentation – Including criminal records, proof of sentence completion, and other court documents
- Serving notice – Prosecutors in Weld County have the opportunity to object
- Hearing – Some sealing matters are set for hearing, especially if the DA’s office objects to the sealing
- Court review and order – If granted, the Weld County Clerk of Court and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will seal the record once provided with the order
A Greeley criminal defense attorney ensures all paperwork is accurate and deadlines are met. We can also represent and make arguments at your record sealing hearing.
5. What Does a Record Sealing Do and Not Do?
Sealing a Record Can:
- Hide the offense from public background checks
- Improve chances for employment, housing, and education
- Allow you to legally deny or not disclose the sealed offense in most situations
Sealing a Record Cannot:
- Erase the record from law enforcement databases
- Remove eligibility for federal background checks in certain circumstances
- Guarantee admission to all professional licenses, especially law, healthcare, or childcare
6. Can I Seal Multiple Records at Once in Weld County?
Yes, but each case must meet eligibility and waiting period requirements. A Weld County record sealing attorney can coordinate filings to maximize the chances of success.
7. Do I Need an Attorney to Seal My Record in Weld County?
While it’s possible to file on your own, an attorney can:
- Confirm eligibility for each case
- Prepare and file petitions in the correct court (Greeley Municipal Court, Windsor Municipal Court, or Weld County Court)
- Respond to any objections from prosecutors
- Make arguments if set for hearing
- Navigate complex cases with multiple convictions or conditions
Hiring an attorney increases the likelihood of approval and reduces processing delays.
8. What Happens After a Record Is Sealed?
Once the court orders your record sealed:
- Public access is restricted; most background checks will not show the offense
- Law enforcement and certain agencies may still access the record
- Violating conditions or committing another crime can affect eligibility for future sealing
9. Can a Sealed Record Be Unsealed?
Records can only be unsealed under very limited circumstances, usually by court order or for law enforcement purposes. Once sealed, the record is generally protected from public disclosure indefinitely.
10. Why Work with a Weld County Criminal Defense Attorney?
If your case is in Greeley, Evans, Windsor, Fort Lupton, or other Weld County towns, a local attorney can:
- Review your criminal history for eligibility
- Prepare and file petitions in the proper court
- Follow up with the Weld County Clerk of Court and CBI
- Advise on the impact of sealing for employment, housing, or professional licenses
Contact O’Malley Law Office for Your Record Sealing Today!
Sealing your criminal record in Weld County can help restore opportunities and remove barriers caused by past mistakes. Understanding eligibility, timing, and the legal process is critical. A Weld County criminal defense attorney can guide you through every step and help ensure your petition has the best chance of success.
If you have questions about record sealing, contact the best record sealing attorneys from the O’Malley Law Office at 970-616-6009 to schedule a free initial consultation. Together, we can protect your future.
Photo by Jakub Zerdzicki