A criminal record can follow someone for years, even when a case did not result in a conviction or involved a minor offense. In Colorado, arrests, charges, and convictions can appear on background checks and affect employment, housing, education, and professional licensing. For many people in Fort Collins and throughout Larimer County, clearing or limiting access to a criminal record is an important step toward moving forward.
Colorado law allows certain criminal records to be expunged or sealed, but not all offenses qualify. Understanding which crimes are eligible and whether expungement or record sealing is the appropriate option is essential before starting the process.
Expungement and record sealing are similar but distinct remedies under Colorado law. Expungement generally results in the destruction or permanent removal of a record, as if the arrest or case never occurred. Record sealing, on the other hand, restricts public access to a criminal record but does not completely erase it.
Sealed records are typically not visible to employers, landlords, or the general public, but they may still be accessible to law enforcement or the courts in limited circumstances. Many more offenses are eligible for sealing than expungement, which makes understanding the difference especially important.
Expungement in Colorado is more limited than record sealing and usually applies to cases that did not result in a conviction. Juvenile records are also treated differently under the law.
Crimes or cases that may be eligible for expungement include:
Eligibility often depends on how the case was resolved and whether required waiting periods have passed. Even when a case qualifies, expungement is not always automatic and typically requires a formal petition.
Colorado significantly expanded record sealing eligibility in recent years. Many misdemeanor and some felony convictions may now be sealed after a waiting period, provided certain conditions are met.
Offenses that may be eligible for record sealing include:
Waiting periods vary depending on the severity of the offense and the outcome of the case. In some situations, multiple convictions can still be sealed if statutory requirements are satisfied.
Not all criminal records can be expunged or sealed. Colorado law places restrictions on certain serious offenses, particularly those involving violence or sexual misconduct.
Crimes that are commonly excluded include:
Eligibility can depend on specific facts, statutory classifications, and changes in the law. What appears ineligible at first glance may warrant closer review, especially if the charge was reduced or dismissed.
Colorado law provides broader opportunities to expunge juvenile records. The goal is to prevent youthful mistakes from permanently affecting a person’s future. Many juvenile cases are eligible for expungement once certain conditions are met, including the completion of sentences and the passage of time.
Juvenile expungement can be especially valuable for individuals applying for jobs, college, or housing as adults. However, the process still requires compliance with statutory rules and proper filing.
Determining whether a crime is eligible for expungement or sealing is not always straightforward. Factors such as multiple cases, overlapping charges, prior convictions, and changes in the law can complicate eligibility.
Additionally, mistakes in paperwork or filing can delay or derail a petition. Courts require accurate information, proper notice, and compliance with deadlines. This is why many people choose to seek legal guidance before moving forward.
Once a record is sealed, it generally should not appear on standard background checks used by employers or landlords. Expunged records are treated as though they never existed for most purposes.
While these remedies do not guarantee every opportunity, they can significantly reduce barriers and help individuals present themselves without the shadow of past charges or convictions.
Navigating Colorado’s expungement and record sealing laws requires careful analysis and attention to detail. Lee E. Christian assists clients throughout Fort Collins and Northern Colorado with clearing eligible criminal records. Our expungement and record sealing services focus on identifying eligibility, preparing accurate petitions, and guiding clients through the court process.
If you are unsure whether your criminal record qualifies for expungement or sealing, getting reliable information is the first step. Every situation is different, and eligibility often depends on details that are easy to overlook.
If you are ready to explore your options, contact us to discuss your record and learn whether expungement or sealing may be available under Colorado law.
