A criminal record, even an old one, or one that never resulted in a conviction, can follow you through background checks for jobs, housing, and licensing. Colorado law provides a path to seal many types of records, and here’s what that process looks like for people in Greeley and the rest of Weld County.
Record Sealing Attorney in Weld County: Records That Seal Automatically
Since August 2022, Colorado courts automatically seal certain records without requiring a petition or filing fee. This applies to cases that ended in an acquittal, a dismissal of all charges, or a case where charges were never filed following an arrest. Automatic sealing also generally applies to completed deferred judgments where the case was ultimately dismissed.
Sealing a Conviction Through Petition: A Windsor Criminal Defense Lawyer Explains
Sealing an actual conviction requires a formal petition under C.R.S. § 24-72-706, filed in the district or county court after a statutory waiting period has passed. The length of the waiting period depends on the severity of the offense. These waiting periods generally run from the later of the final disposition of the case or the person’s release from supervision. Court debt and restitution generally must be paid in full before a conviction can be sealed.
What Records Can’t Be Sealed in Erie and Evans?
Not every conviction qualifies. Colorado law excludes a number of offense categories from sealing, including class 1, 2, and 3 felonies, DUI and DWAI convictions, domestic violence convictions, sexual offenses, and most crimes of violence.
Why Should You Seal Your Colorado Criminal Record
Once a record is sealed, it is generally no longer visible to the public, including on background checks run through the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. Certain government and law enforcement agencies, however, may still retain access under specific circumstances. Because eligibility depends heavily on the specific offense, how the case was resolved, and how much time has passed, many people in Weld County qualify for sealing without realizing it. Reviewing your record against these criteria is often the first step toward moving forward.